Control and communication system and method

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a control and communication system and method for objects, the system comprising an object space-information database in an object centre of the object, the database storing an object plan for the object, wherein the control of the object is adjusted to the object plan, a regional control centre having a regional space-information database storing a regional plan, and a main control centre having a central space-information database storing a central plan. The central plan approved by the regional control centres is prepared by the main control centre, the regional plans are updated at the regional control centres on the basis of the central plan, and the object plans are updated at the object centres on the basis of the regional plans.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a control and IT (informationtechnology) communication system, permitting the coordinated, efficient,dynamic and automatic control and tracking of objects assigned toregions, in addition to satisfying diverse IT requirements of theobjects. Furthermore, the invention is also a method for achieving theobjectives above to implement control.

BACKGROUND ART

The control and IT communication support of air, water and land (roadand railway) transport as well as of the objects used as independentsystems in numerous walks of life raise new problems as a result of asubstantial increase in traffic and due to a significant growth in thecontrol and IT communication requirements of the above mentionedobjects. An important area of development is small and large aircraftaviation, in which field a further growth can be predicted, as well asthe provision of control and IT communication services for intelligenthouseholds. The air traffic control of small and large aircraft iscurrently based on radar control and on the simultaneous co-operation ofassociated support systems, as well as on radio messages sent by pilots.However, small aircraft fly mostly over undulating terrain at analtitude and in a speed range not detected by radars, and a significantnumber of intercontinental flights by large aircraft are outside theradar control range. Another disadvantage is that the existing radarsare uncertain in detecting vehicles that fly at a low speed, andfurthermore that reports from pilots are often random in time. Inaddition, with such a concept of control, monitoring and ITcommunication, it is very difficult to provide protection againsteventual terrorist attacks.

Under the current conditions of air traffic control, following distancesbetween aircraft are necessarily long, and landings and takeoffs, as aresult of the time factor and due to the lack of real time monitoringand control, are critical. In the vicinity of airports, aircraft do nothave a dynamic and automatic external check and monitoring (e.g. thepositions of landing flaps, landing gears etc.). Similar problems arisein shipping, for example in port areas, and also in land traffic, e.g.railway transport control.

In U.S. Ser. No. 2001/0020216 A1 a device is disclosed that can beapplied in traffic control using satellite based position determination,where position determination is made more accurate by an inertialtransmitter. The disadvantages of this solution are that an inertialtransmitter is very expensive, the relevant co-ordinate data are onlyknown by the air crew and furthermore that each aircraft must have twoof these units to ensure operational safety. Another unfavourablefeature is that it does not use current, but earlier satellite datawhich do not provide an up-to-date and accurate result for example atlanding. Precision is also heavily influenced by inertial accelerationscaused by wind gusts hitting the aircraft.

A position determining system for navigating road vehicles is disclosedin U.S. Pat. No. 5,905,451. This device is based on a static co-ordinatedatabase, which is not updated on an ongoing basis, and furthermore inthis device, the road vehicles system is not built into an integrated ITnetwork. Due to these reasons, this solution is not suitable forimplementing an aircraft traffic control system.

A computerized system for automated air-traffic control is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 4,706,198. The system contains a master control unit and aplurality of regional control units linked to the master control unit.Aircrafts flying in a region are in communication contact with therespective regional control unit. The drawback of this known system isthe lack of provisions for a dynamic plan co-ordination, approval andupdating.

Currently, no universal control system is known that would be capable ofreal time, automatic and long-term monitoring as well as a reliablecontrol of objects for example aircraft and/or water and/or landvehicles by complex technical and human diagnostic supervision. Forexample, the prior art traffic control devices were only able to providespatial data within a narrow traffic zone, with subsequent dataprocessing. Although the photogrammetric determination of the spatialco-ordinates of vehicles as objects already exists, it is not possibleto assess them in real time and to integrate them into a traffic controlsystem. No on-board technical and human health diagnostic device isknown that can be integrated into a traffic control system for aircraftand/or water vehicles and/or land vehicles and/or staff and passengerstravelling on these vehicles. Operating GSM units above a certain speedand altitude and the application of a comprehensive health informationsystem are currently impossible. Furthermore, there is no control andcommunication system and process that could perform automatically,efficiently and in a coordinated way any local regional and centralcontrol and communication tasks generally arising in connection withobjects, for example with the vehicles above and furthermore for examplein connection with production and processing units, (parts of)buildings, business units or even persons.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a system and a method forcontrol and communication, by which the deficiencies of the prior artmonitoring systems can be eliminated, and the requirements emerging canbe satisfied.

It is also an object of the invention to establish a control andinformation technology based communication system, which is able tointegrate on an IT network level independent objects used in variousfields, meeting their emerging IT based communication requirements.

Preferably for example vehicles should be enabled to be tracked in spaceand time in real time and on an ongoing basis, also in areas notdetected by radars and not covered in GSM communication In addition, itis also required to be able to ensure the setting up of databases inconnection with the operational and property safety of the objects, andwith the information technology and health care requirements of personsparticipating in the system, and furthermore to ensure the priorityaccess to these databases by the parties involved.

Furthermore, a dynamic route planning of vehicles must be ensured infunction of the current and envisaged traffic, meteorological andtechnical situation, as well as making it possible to forecast dangeroustraffic situations also in areas not covered by radars and by auxiliarysystems operated in parallel by prognosis-based calculations. Inaddition, by prognosis-based calculation, the forecasting of technicaland human health risks must be ensured. Preferably, passengers and staffare able to use their GSM units through an on-board telephone exchange,while retaining their own telephone numbers, along with the running ofan integrated health care IT communication system. Preferably, anintegrated traffic control and information technology basedcommunication system of such kind is set up as to help to provideadditional (new) information for the air, water and land crew and theircontrol centres, and also for the objects supported.

It is a further object that through the application of a system andmethod according to the invention, the technical-technological andlogistical utilization of airports, naval ports, traffic junctions andvehicles should become more economic, the safety of transport should beenhanced, the specific environmental load should be reduced, andfurthermore that the system should be compatible with the existinginformation technology and traffic monitoring systems. It is a furtherobject to provide a system which is suitable for modifying the route andthe traffic parameters of the route, independently from the pilot, invehicles prepared for this task, with special regard to flying objects.

According to a first aspect, the invention is a control andcommunication system comprising an object centre assigned to an object,a control centre in communication contact with the object centre, meansfor implementing communication between the object centre and the controlcentre and means providing information for controlling the object to theobject centre and/or to the control centre, characterised by comprising

-   -   an object space-information database in the object centre, the        database storing an object plan for the object, wherein the        control of the object is adjusted to the object plan,    -   a regional control centre assigned to a given zone, the regional        control centre having a regional space-information database        storing a regional plan compiled on the basis of the object        plans of the objects assigned to the regional control centre and    -   a main control centre capable of co-ordinating the regional        plans, the main control centre being in connection with as well        as organising the operation of the regional control centres,        wherein the main control centre has a central space-information        database storing a central plan that covers the zones,    -   wherein, by means of co-ordinating the regional plans forwarded        from the regional control centres to the main control centre, a        central plan approved by the regional control centres is        prepared by the main control centre, the regional plans are        updated at the regional control centres on the basis of the        central plan, and the object plans are updated at the object        centres on the basis of the regional plans.

By means of the system according to the invention, control andcommunication meeting complex requirements and the expectationsmentioned above can be implemented extremely efficiently and safely.

According to a second aspect, the invention is a control andcommunication method for objects, wherein each object has an objectcentre comprising an object plan, and wherein the object plans arecollected in a control centre and the control is carried out on thebasis of a co-ordination of the plans via a communication contactbetween the objects and the control centre, characterised by comprisingthe steps of

-   -   compiling a regional plan in a regional control centre assigned        to a given zone, on the basis of the object plans of the objects        assigned to a regional control centre.    -   preparing a central plan covering the zones at a main control        centre by coordinating the regional plans sent by the regional        control centres to the main control centre, wherein the main        control centre is capable of organising the operation of the        regional control centres, said central plan is prepared on the        basis of approvals of the regional control centres,    -   updating the regional plans on the basis of the central plan at        the regional control centres, updating the object plans on the        basis of the regional plans at the object centres and adjusting        the control of the objects to the object plan.

Using the method according to the invention simple and efficient trafficcontrol can be implemented that meets the requirements above.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Hereinafter, the invention will be described by means of preferredembodiments as shown in the drawings, where

FIG. 1 is a schematic structure of a system according to the inventionand used in traffic control,

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of the visual detector and identifier unit orvisual identifier unit applied in the system in FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of the visual processing centre applied in thesystem of FIG. 1,

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of the object centre applied in the system ofFIG. 1,

FIG. 5 is a block diagram of the main control centre applied in thesystem of FIG. 1,

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of the regional control centre applied in thesystem of FIG. 1,

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of the stewardess monitor applied in thesystem of FIG. 1, and

FIG. 8 is a block diagram of the medical centre applied in the system ofFIG. 1.

MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

In the case of the preferred embodiments described by way of examplebelow, the system and method according to the invention are used intraffic control, where the objects to be controlled are vehicles, andthe plans to be implemented are traffic plans.

The preferred traffic control system shown by way of example in FIG. 1performs the control of vehicles having an on-board centre as the objectcentre 2, for example aircraft object 1 and ship object 44. The systemcomprises a main control centre 12, regional control centre 4, visualprocessing centre 5, communication centre 45, radio re-transmitter unit3, stationary satellite transceiver 8, re-transmitter satellite 7 a,spotting satellite 7 b, positioning satellite 6, regional signalimproving unit 10, visual detector and identifier units II, visualidentifier unit 11 a, radar unit 43 and centres 46, 47 and 48 whichperform various auxiliary functions. The operations of these units willbe detailed below.

Visual detector and identifier unit 11 and visual identifier unit 11 a

In a railway embodiment, the visual detector and identifier unit 11shown in FIG. 2 is not part of the traffic control system according tothe invention.

The structural design and the functional operations of the components inthe visual detector and identifier unit 11 and in the visual identifierunit 11 a are the same. The visual detector and identifier unit 11 andthe visual identifier unit 11 a consist of the following units:objective unit 13, objective control device 14, digital camera 15 andpositioning unit 16. The units are located in an air conditioned andwaterproof mechanical housing, which allows the operation of the unitsunder all weather conditions. An integral part of the housing is amechanical unit responsible for keeping clean and removing vapour fromthe objective unit 13.

The task of the objective unit 13 is to provide optical services for thedigital camera 15. The objective unit 13 linked to the visual detectorand identifier unit 11 is of high optical accuracy and calibrated inorder to make sure that the photogrammetric measuring processes carriedout by the photogrammetric unit 39 are accurate.

The tasks of the objective control device 14 comprise the conversion ofthe regulation command signals issued by the visual tracking unit 30and/or the operator unit 31 and the 3D virtual studio 42 a in theNistial processing centre 5 to be described later into mechanicalsignals, and the application of said mechanical signals to the objectiveunit 13.

The digital camera 15 is an integral part of the visual detector andidentifier units 11 and the visual identifier units 11 a Its task is theanalogue-digital conversion of the image information coming in throughthe objective unit 13, and to pass the relevant digital imageinformation on to a visual processing unit 25 located in the visualprocessing centre 5. It is an important requirement for the digitalcamera 15 that in order to give a high level performance of theobjective identification and photogrammetric tasks, it should have ahigh image resolution, and furthermore that it should have automaticfocus for making more accurate the primary regulating signals of theobjective control device 14.

It is the task of the positioning unit 16 to convert the positioningregulating command signals issued by the visual tracking unit 30, andthe operator unit 31 and the 3D virtual studio 42 a into mechanicalsignals, and to apply said mechanical signals to the positioningmechanisms of the visual detector and identifier units 11 and the visualidentifier units 11 a.

Visual Processing Centre 5

In a land implementation, the visual processing centre 5 shown in FIG. 3does not necessarily include the radar interface unit 29 and certainunits in its system can be omitted, provided that a minimumconfiguration is retained. Its task is to integrate the object e.g.airport, naval port, traffic junction intended to be linked with thetraffic control system and to make sure that the visual monitoring tasksassociated with the relevant object are tackled. The compleximplementation of the visual processing centre 5 is not a necessaryprecondition of integrating the objects, and it is sufficient toimplement a minimum configuration of the centre without visualmonitoring.

The visual processing centre 5 includes a traffic zone signal improvingunit 9, visual detector and identifier unit 11, visual identifier unit11 l , visual processing unit 25, visual identity code generator 25 a,signal pre-processing unit 26, diagnostic unit 27, IT centre 28, radarinterface unit 29, visual tracking unit 30, operator unit 31 andattached 3D virtual studio 42 a and optionally visual radio transceiver28 a, visual photogrammetric unit 39 a and visual satellite-basednavigation compensator unit 41 a.

In the given case, the units listed above are suitable for sending andreceiving asynchronous messages, when the relevant object does not waitfor the response after sending a message, but performs furtheroperations, and are capable of handling ‘competition’ within the object,i.e. they can receive reports coming from a different object, whileworking on processing the previous one.

The minimum configuration includes only the visual identity codegenerator 25 a, the IT centre 28, the radar interface unit 29 and thevisual processing unit 25.

The task of the traffic zone signal improving unit 9 is to read thedatabase passed on by the positioning satellites 6 within the sight ofsaid unit, and to post the database readings in reports via theinformation centre 28 to the visual processing unit 25. It is installedat a dedicated geographical point of the relevant airport or naval port.Through the application of this unit, the accuracy of satellite-basedposition determination is significantly higher than the results providedby an uncompensated coordinated measuring process. The data vectorsposted in the reports mentioned above include all the data that ensuredifferential satellite-based position determination (e.g. the DGPSprocess). The data are forwarded by the visual processing unit 25 viathe information centre 28 to the satellite-based navigation compensatorunit 41 operating on a regional level, where they are further processed,and then the IT unit 36 operating on a regional level posts thecompensated co-ordinate data vector in a report to the object centre 2involved. In an optional configuration, the compensation of the abovementioned uncompensated co-ordinate data vectors is performed by thevisual satellite-based navigation compensator unit +1 a, and then theyare transferred through the IT centre 28 to the visual radio transceiverunit 28 a, which performs the posting of data vectors in reports to theinvolved object centre 2. The operation and the design of the units 28 aand 41 a are identical to those of the units 28 and 41.

The visual detector and identifier unit 11 communicates digital imageinformation to the photogrammetric unit 39 operating on a regional leveland furthermore communicates digital image information to the externalstatus monitoring unit 40 operating on a regional level. The visualdetector and identifier units 11, in case they also supportphotogrammetric measurements and 3D intermediation, have a minimumin-pair design, at a geographic point of the traffic junction ensuringgood sight.

Under the co-ordination of the visual processing unit 25, the visualdetector and identifier unit 11 performs the following tasks:

-   -   On the basis of commands from the external status monitoring        unit 40, until the time determined by the same, it supplies        digital-based image information in a continuous mode via the IT        centre 28 to the visual processing unit 25, in which data are        further pre-processed and transferred through the IT centre 28        and the IT unit 36 to the regional control unit 35 and to the        units under its supervision, and furthermore in an optional case        to the operator unit 31 of the visual processing centre 5 and/or        to the linked 3D virtual studio 42 a. The commands are received        by the digital camera 15 as operation mode control command        signals.    -   It performs visual object tracking on the basis of the operation        mode determination commands of the external status monitoring        unit 40, the co-ordinate data supplied by the object centre 2        involved and compensated by the satellite-based navigation        compensator unit 41, as well as the regulation strategy and        regulation command signals elaborated by the visual tracking        unit 30 after receiving said co-ordinate data. The task of        object tracking is performed by the objective control device 14        and the positioning unit 16 via executing the regulation command        signals.

When using human control, the parameters determining the relevant taskare sent by the operator unit 31 and the attached 3D virtual studio 42a, respectively, via the visual processing unit 25 and the IT centre 28to the photogrammetric unit 39 and the external status monitoring unit40, respectively, where the tasks prescribed are carried out.

If necessary, the visual detector and identifier unit 11 providesdigital image information to the visual photogrammetric unit 39 a.

Optionally, the visual detector and identifier unit 11 performs thefollowing tasks under the co-ordination of the visual processing unit25:

-   -   On the basis of the commands from the operator unit 31 and the        attached 3D virtual studio 42 a, respectively until the time        determined there, in a continuous mode of operation it forwards        the digital-based image information through the IT centre 28 to        the visual processing unit 25, where the data are further        processed and transferred via the IT centre 28 and the IT unit        36 to the regional control unit 35 and the operator unit 31 and        the attached 3D virtual studio 42 a. The commands reach the        digital camera 15 as operation mode control command signals.    -   It carries out visual object tracking on the basis of the mode        of operation mode determination commands of the operator unit 31        and the attached 3D virtual studio 42 a as well as the        co-ordinate data provided by the object centre 2 involved and        compensated by the visual satellite-based navigation compensator        unit 41 a and furthermore on the basis of the regulation        strategy and regulation command signals elaborated by the visual        tracking unit 30 after receiving said co-ordinate data. The task        of object tracking is performed by the objective control device        14 and the positioning unit 16 via executing the regulation        command signals.

If necessary, two visual detector and identifier units 11 can becombined into one single system. In this case, the two units can belocated in a common housing, where the positioning unit 16 provides ajoint position adjustment in a joint configuration and the objectivecontrol devices 14 of the digital cameras 15 installed are fitted withcontrol separately in a parallel way or even jointly. In this set-up,the combined pair, as a stereo digital workstation, is suitable initself for providing a digital image support function forphotogrammetric measurements and 3D broadcasts.

The task of the visual identifier unit 1 la is to communicatedigital-based image information under the coordination of the visualprocessing unit 25 to the external status monitoring unit 40 of theregional control centre 4. The task system of the unit is identical tothat of the visual detector and identifier unit 11, but the subsequentimage processing tasks of the digital images provided by it areassociated with the identification of the objects and with the externalstatus monitoring tasks. In a minimum configuration, the visualprocessing centre 5 preferably includes also one visual identifier unit11 a. The visual processing unit 25 is the central unit of the visualprocessing centre 5. Its basic task is supervising the supervision ofthe work of the units within its system, the co-ordination andorganisation of the IT communication among the relevant units, andfurthermore the regional level integration of the task systems and ITrequirements of the units under its supervision into the task system andIT communication scheme of the regional control centre 4 representingthe regional level. The performance of this task is supervised andco-ordinated by the regional control unit 35.

The units working under the supervision of the visual processing unit 25are software-hardware systems suitable for simultaneous data processing.The operation of the relevant software-hardware systems can be modelledor substituted by a software package prepared for the given task system.It is possible to elaborate a modification, in which the traffic zonesignal improving unit 9 and/or the visual processing unit 25 and/or dievisual identity code generator 25 a and/or the signal pre-processingunit 26 and/or the diagnostic unit 27 and/or the IT centre 28 and/or thevisual tracking unit 30 are integrated under the software system of thevisual processing unit 25 via the software package which models orsubstitutes the associated task system.

The visual processing unit 25 performs the preparation and editing ofthe reports required for work and information transport between theunits under its supervision and in connection with the co-operative workand information transport between itself and the regional control unit35. The information flow between the visual processing unit 25 and theregional control unit 35 is carried out in the form of reports(electronic documents) through the IT centre 28 and die IT unit 36. Ifnecessary, the information flow between the visual processing unit 25and the object centres 2 is handled in the form of reports (electronicdocuments) through the visual radio transceiver 28 a, the radiotransceiver 19 and the satellite radio transceiver 20 a. Editing andcompiling the relevant document packages are the task of the visualprocessing unit 25. The distribution of reports is carried out on thebasis of the optimal distribution strategy determined by the regionalcontrol unit 35. Prior to posting, the visual processing unit 25 appliesa data compression and encrypting process in accordance with the type ofthe database to be posted to the relevant electronic document, and theninstructs the visual identity code generator 25 a to generate a digitalsignature associated to the relevant electronic document.

The report of the electronic document belonging to the visual processingcentre 5 and the actual database to be posted include among other thingsthe digital signature prepared by the visual identity code generator 25a and the public key associated to the visual processing centre 5 (thepublic key is the identification code of the relevant visual processingcentre 5), the name of compressing processes applied to the similarpartial databases of the relevant electronic document's database and theextent of compressing, the name of encrypting process applied to therelevant electronic document, the uniform times of the traffic controlsystem indicating the loading time of partial databases belonging to thesimilar partial databases of the database, and the compressed andencrypted document.

If necessary, the visual processing unit 25 performs the determinationof the primary level light/picture imaging spectrum parameter andmagnification parameter vectors of the digital images provided by thevisual detector and identifier units 11 and the visual identifier unit11 a, and then said vectors are posted to the signal pre-processing unit26 which performs the preparation of digital picture imaging. Thelogical order of the relevant task is identical with the processperformed by the regional control unit 35.

If necessary, the visual processing unit 25 generates the dynamicdatabase of the unbalanced co-ordinate data of the object centres 2 inthe traffic zone, and then posts it for compensation to the visualsatellite-based navigation compensator unit 41 a. After compensating theco-ordinate database, the visual satellite-based navigation compensatorunit 41 a re-writes the compensated database into the above mentioneddatabase. From the uncompensated and/or compensated co-ordinatedatabase, the visual processing unit 25 produces the timeline prognosisof co-ordinate figures in an object centre 2 specific way, and stores itin a mathematically continuous model.

The visual processing unit 25 performs the uniform digital clock signaladjustment of the traffic control system mentioned above. Thecalibrating clock signal is received from the regional control unit 35of the regional control centre 4 responsible for the relevant trafficzone, and if necessary, with a No. 1 priority, it is generated by thevisual satellite based navigation compensator unit 41 a, relying on themeasurements of the traffic zone signal improving unit 9. Thecalibration procedure is carried out in both cases in a continuousoperation mode, at discrete times.

The visual identity code generator 25 a is a task-specific periphery,the operation of which is co-ordinated by the visual processing unit 25.Its setting up and fitting to the visual processing unit 25 areoptional, if the encrypting and coding procedures applied by the visualprocessing unit 25 are considered to be sufficient. The visualprocessing unit 25 compiles in substance and prepares the material ofthe actual report for the co-operative work and information transportbetween itself and the regional control unit 35. In the next phase, uponthe instructions of the visual processing unit 25, the visual identitycode generator 25 a prepares the digital signature of the compiled andprepared reports. The reports so signed can be considered to be ready,and they can be posted by the IT centre 28. In the above mentionedoptional case, when there is no public key, the identification code ofthe visual processing centre 5 is the code series considered to beauthentic by the traffic control system and stored by the visualprocessing unit 25. In this case, when posting the electronic documents,the above mentioned authentic code series will be attached to thedocument by the visual processing unit 25.

It is the task of the signal pre-processing unit 26 to prepare theserving of the external status monitoring unit 40 working under thesupervision of the regional control unit 35, i.e. to improve the picturequality of the digital image information supplied by the visual detectorand identifier units 11 and the visual identifier unit 11 a, as well asto characterise the quality of improved digital pictures. The regionallevel co-ordination of the tasks is carried out by the external statusmonitoring unit 40. Tie digital image information sent to the unit isprovided by the visual detector and identifier units 11 and by thevisual identifier unit 11 a, while their work is coordinated by thevisual tracking unit 30 and the external status monitoring unit 40. Ifnecessary, it is given the task to prepare the serving of the visualphotogrammetric unit 39 a working under the supervision of the visualprocessing unit 25 and that of the 3D virtual studio 42 a, i.e. toimprove the picture quality of the digital image information provided bythe visual detector and identifier units 11, as well as to characterisethe quality of the improved digital images. The visual processing centre5 level co-ordination of the tasks is performed by the visual processingunit 25 and the visual tracking unit 30.

In the course of its operation, in the first step, the signalpre-processing unit 26 receives the first level light/picture imagingspectrum and magnification parameter vectors provided by the regionalcontrol unit 35, where if necessary the relevant vector is prepared bythe visual processing unit 25, and receives furthermore the discretetime digital image information provided by the visual detector andidentifier units 11 and the visual identifier unit 11 a. In the secondstep, it subjects the digital pictures supplied by the visual detectorand identifier units 11 and the visual identifier unit 11 a to a qualitytest The determined picture quality parameter is attached in a reportfor the external status monitoring unit 40. In the third step, on thebasis of the result of the previous test, the actual light conditionsand the prescribed task, it determines the system of picture improvingprocedures to be applied to the relevant digital images, and theirdetermining parameters, and furthermore, by making use of the firstlevel light/picture imaging spectrum parameter, the light/pictureimaging spectrum parameter vector of imaging. Digital images aresupplied to the external status monitoring unit 40, the photogrammetricunit 39 and the visual photogrammetric unit 39 a in a parallel way, bydigital picture databases that have different magnifications and fallinto the infra range. The various infra ranges are determined by thelight/picture imaging spectrum parameter vector, while the extent ofmagnifications to be applied to digital images screened for differentinfra ranges is determined by the magnification vector. In the fourthstep, the system of parameters and processes determined in the thirdstep is applied to the received digital images. And finally, in thefifth step, the prepared digital pictures are forwarded to the visualprocessing unit 25. The visual processing unit 25 passes on thedigitally signed image information to the regional control unit 35,which posts it to the external status monitoring unit 40.

When applying the visual photogrammetric unit 39 a, and furthermore whenhuman control prevails, the process logic is identical with that of theprocess described above. In the course of operation, in the first stepthe signal pre-processing unit 26 receives the first level light/pictureimaging spectrum parameter provided by the visual processing unit 25,along with the discrete time digital image information provided by thevisual detector and identifier units 11 and the visual identifier unit 1la. In the second step, it subjects the digital pictures provided by thevisual detector and identifier units 11 and the visual identifier unit11 a to a quality test. In the third step, on the basis of the result ofthe previous test, it determines the system of picture improvingprocesses to be applied to the relevant digital images and theirdetermining parameters, as well as the light/picture imaging spectrumparameter of the applied picture imaging by making use of the firstlevel light/picture imaging spectrum parameter. In the fourth step, asystem of parameters and processes determined in the third step isapplied for the digital images received. And finally, in the fifth step,the prepared digital images are forwarded to the visual photogrammetricunit 39 a and the 3D virtual studio 42 a.

It is the task of the diagnostic unit 27 to check and supervise theoperation and operational quality of the visual processing centre 5,relying on the diagnostic reports of the regional diagnostic unit 35 aand on the parameters set on the platform of the operator unit 31, andbased on diagnostic procedures carried out at discrete times on thebasis of pre-adjusted parameters. In the case of a basic configuration,the units subjected to a diagnostic process are as follows: the trafficzone signal improving unit 9, the visual detector and identifier unit11, the visual identifier unit 11 a, the visual processing unit 25, thevisual identity code generator 25 a the signal pre-processing unit 26,the IT centre 28, the radar interface unit 29, and the visual trackingunit 30. The system of diagnostic procedures, diagnostic qualificationsand diagnostic reports is identical with the description to follow lateron in reference to the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a of the objectcentre 2.

If during the operation of the diagnostic unit 27, the diagnostic resultof a unit diagnosed by it is qualified as unsatisfactory, the diagnosticunit 27 performs diagnostic final qualification tests relying on acustomised diagnostic strategy made on the basis of the result ofdiagnostic procedures performed by the diagnostic unit 35 a and thediagnostic unit 27, the diagnostic procedure programmed packageinstalled in the system of the relevant diagnostic unit 27 and thecomputer technology resources available to the relevant diagnostic unit27. Throughout this specification, under the term “customised” weunderstand that the given unit or function is designed according to therelevant conditions and needs.

The relevant optional diagnostic test may also be carried out upon theinstructions of the regional diagnostic unit 35 a, by the diagnosticunit 27.

The tasks of the IT centre 28 comprises the establishing of a regionalcontact through the IT unit 36 between the visual processing centre 5and the regional control unit 35, a local contact, if necessary, throughthe visual radio transceiver 28 a between the visual processing centre 5and the object centres 2, and a direct IT contact between the visualprocessing unit 25 and the visual detector and identifier unit 11, aswell as the visual identifier unit 11 a. An IT communication isestablished on a terrestrial basis between the IT centre 28 and the ITunit 36 and/or an IT contact is established via the visual radiotransceiver 28 a and/or via the communication centre 45 and thestationary satellite-based transceiver 8. The operation of the IT centre28 is coordinated by the visual processing unit 25.

The task of the radar interface unit 29 is the supervision of the visualprocessing centre 5 and the informatic integration of the simultaneouslyoperating radar unit into the traffic control system. The interface unitperforms digital conversion of the information provided by the relevantradar unit, if the relevant radar is not prepared for forwarding theinformation in a digital form, and fits the already digitisedinformation via the visual processing unit 25 to the traffic controlsystem.

The visual tracking unit 30 performs the visual tracking of a givenvehicle in the case of using the regional control unit 35 and/or manualcontrol on the basis of a decision taken by the 3D virtual studio 42 a.The decision is made in an automatic way in the first described case oron the basis of requests received from the IT network linked to thetraffic control system, respectively. In the automatic case and in thecase of requests coming from the IT network, the regional control unit35 informs the actual visual processing centre 5 in a report.

It is among the tasks of the visual tracking unit 30 to co-ordinate thevisual tracking of an object identified by the regional control unit 35and/or the 3D virtual studio 42 a and/or the requests received from theIT network, as well as to co-ordinate the digital image sampling of atraffic object, and to co-ordinate the visual object detection process.These tasks are performed by the visual detector and identifier units 11and the visual identifier units 11 a under its supervision. The imageinformation received is further processed in the signal pre-processingunit 26 and in the visual processing unit 25.

The database of the visual tracking unit 30 includes

-   -   the regulation technology database of the positioning unit 16 of        the visual detector and identifier unit 11 working under the        supervision of the visual processing centre 5, and the        regulation technology database of the objective control device        14;    -   the regulation technology database of the positioning unit 16 of        the visual detector and identifier unit 11 a working under the        supervision of the visual processing centre 5 and the regulation        technology database of the objective control device 14;    -   the mathematical model of the digital image sampling strategy of        the visual object. (The relevant mathematical model is based on        a fuzzy logic. It provides response to the number of image        sampling operations to be applied within unit time, to the        sequence of light/picture imaging spectra to be applied and to        its application period while taking into consideration the        relevant light conditions, and the speed of the object to be        tracked, as well as the type of the object, if this is known)        and    -   the mathematical model of the strategy concerning the digital        image detection process of the visual object. (The relevant        mathematical model is based on a fuzzy logic. The relevant task        specifically comprises a mathematical model of the digital image        sampling strategy of the visual object, and the mathematical        models concerning the objective control devices 14 and the        positioning units 16 of the visual detector and identifier units        11 and the visual identifier units 11 a).

For the object tracking and sampling tasks, the substance of the reportprovided or produced by the regional control unit 35 and/or the 3Dvirtual studio 42 a and/or the requests coming from the IT network isthe following:

-   -   Orders to perform the relevant task.    -   A system of vehicles located in the visual monitoring zone of        the relevant visual processing centre 5. i.e. the vehicles        assigned to the relevant task.    -   A system of parameters identified during the first-level        modelling of the visual tracking task, in connection with the        vehicles assigned to the relevant task.    -   The actual (compensated) co-ordinate data of the vehicles        assigned to the given task and a prognosis of the coordinate        data timeline. (In an optional case it is generated by the        visual processing unit 25).

The report drawn up by the signal pre-processing unit furthermoreincludes the image quality parameter determined, which is used as aregulation parameter.

In the course of the visual tracking unit 30 operations associated withobject tracking, in the first step on the basis of the requests comingfrom the regional control unit 35 and/or the 3D virtual studio 42 aand/or the IT network, of the reports coming from the signalpre-processing unit 26, of the compensated co-ordinate and speedco-ordinate timeline coming from the regional control unit 35 and theassociated co-ordinate prognosis reports, and ,if necessary, of thesupport by the visual satellite-based navigation compensator unit 41 a,and of its own database, it models the regulation technology operationof the regulation technology operation of positioning units 16 carryingout the visual tracking task of the visual detector and identifier units11 and the visual identifier units 11 a assigned to perform the task andmodels the regulation technology operation of the objective controldevices 14 as well. In the second step, on the basis of the givenmathematical models, it performs the regulation of units and controldevices under its supervision.

In the course of the digital image sampling co-ordination of the visualtracking unit 30, in the first step on the basis of the report receivedfrom the regional control unit 35 and from the signal pre-processingunit 26, of the compensated co-ordinate from the regional control unit35 and the speed co-ordinate timeline as well as the associatedco-ordinate prognosis reports, if necessary, of the support by thevisual satellite-based navigation compensator unit 41 a, and of its owndatabase, it models the regulation technology operation of theregulation technology operation of positioning units 16 carrying out theimage sampling task of the visual detector and identifier units 11 andthe visual identifier units 11 a assigned to perform the task and modelsthe regulation technology operation of the objective control devices 14.In the second step, on the basis of the given mathematical models, itperforms the regulation of the units and control devices under itssupervision.

In the course of coordinating the visual detection procedure, the visualtracking unit 30, in the first step on the basis of the reports receivedfrom the regional control unit 35 and the signal pre-processing unit 26and of its own database, selects the appropriate one from the relevantmodels in the database of the visual tracking unit 30 by using a fuzzylogic, and models the regulation technology operation of the positioningunits 16 carrying out the image sampling of the visual detector andidentifier units 11 assigned to perform the task, and models theregulation technology operation of the objective control devices 14. Inthe second step, on the basis of the given mathematical models, itperforms the regulation of the units and control devices under itssupervision. Launching of the detection process can take place onrequest from the workstation attached to the traffic control system,from the operator unit 31 and from the 3D virtual studio 42 a ,or in anautomatic way at discrete times, in a quasi-continuous mode ofoperation.

The task of the visual radio transceiver 28 a is to create a radiotechnology based IT contact through the visual processing unit 25 and/orthe IT unit 36, between the regional control unit 35 and/or the objectcentres 2 in the traffic zone. Its work and the electronic documents tobe posted are controlled and forwarded to it by the visual processingunit 25.

The task of the visual photogrammetric unit 39 a is to determine, byusing a photogrammetric method, the co-ordinate positions of the objectsdetected by the visual tracking unit 30. Its application is optional,and its operation is logically identical with that of the regionalspace-information unit 37 on regional level.

During its operation, images digitally prepared by the signalpre-processing unit 26 and associated with the objects detected by thevisual tracking unit 30 and the 3D virtual studio 42 a are supplied tothe given unit. On the basis of the joint activity of the 3D virtualstudio 42 a and the visual photogrammetric unit 39 a, the wantedcoordinate vectors are determined in the visual photogrammetric unit 39a , based on a photogrammetric procedure applied there.

The visual satellite-based navigation compensator unit 41 a performsprimarily the compensating calculation of the uncompensated co-ordinatedata supplied by the object centres 2 of the traffic zone belonging tothe visual processing centre 5, and secondarily, by making use of themeasuring signals of the traffic zone signal improving unit 9, itprovides a uniform GPS-based time involving the visual processing centre5. The existence of the unit is optional, and its operation logic isidentical with that of the satellite-based navigation compensator unit41 on a regional level.

The task of the operator unit 31 is to ensure the manual control andmanually controlled IT communication of the visual processing centre 5.The performing of the relevant tasks is ensured by the communication,data processing and/or database handling programmed running in thesystem of the visual processing unit 25. When the relevant visualprocessing centre 5 is of temporary installation, a portable computerand its interface serve for handling the given auxiliary tasks. The 3Dvirtual studio 42 a can also be linked to the operator unit 31. Thisstudio is responsible for the 3D presentation of the vehicles in thetraffic zone for the operator.

Object Centre 2

The basic function of the object centre shown in FIG. 4 is to create awide ranging monitoring and control test opportunity covering aircraft,ships, railway and road vehicles, and furthermore to integrate therelevant vehicles into one IT communication network. Setting up orinstalling the units in its system can be omitted, with retaining theminimum configuration. The object centres 2 are installed on-board anaircraft, ship and motor vehicle, while in the case of railwayimplementation they are fitted on the locomotive. When handlingtransportllogistics problems, they are to be fitted on the transportedcontainers and packages or on the vehicle (e.g. a railway carriage)which transports the relevant consignment An important characteristic isthe handling of problems relative to IT communication in connection withtransport, logistics the items above. If necessary it is indispensableto establish a link between the object centre 2 of the consignment andthe object centre 2 of the container or wagon carrying the consignment.The problems arise from the fact that the container or wagon carryingthe consignment shields the GSM and/or GPS communication.

The object centre 2 of minimum configuration suitable for transport andlogistics tasks includes the processing unit 17, the satellite-basednavigation receiver 18 and the radio transceiver 19.

If necessary, the object centre 2 of the container or wagon carrying theconsignment plays the role of a local regional centre. In case the GSMcommunication and/or GPS communication of the object centre 2 of theconsignment is interrupted, it attempts to take up communicationautomatically by wire or even radio technology, if necessary bybluetooth technology, with the object centre 2 of theconsignment-carrier container or wagon playing a master role. In thesecond step, after establishing the IT contact, the object centre 2 ofthe consignment issues a report to the master object centre 2 about theidentifier code of the consignment, and about the IT communicationservice supporting the consignment, i.e. it describes what should bereported to whom and when. In the third step, the master object centre 2issues a report to the regional control unit 35 about the system ofobject centres 2 taken under its supervision and about having taken overthe supervision.

After that the reports and/or instructions sent from the traffic controlsystem for object centre 2 of the consignment taken into the supervisionof a master object centre 2 are received from the traffic control systemthrough the master object centre 2 and the reports prepared by theobject centre 2 of the consignment and intended to be posted to theregional control unit 35 reach the target station through the masterobject centre 2, which sends on its co-ordinate data readings as theco-ordinate data of the consignments under its supervision.

If the object centre 2 of the consignment succeeds in establishing an ITcontact with the GSM and GPS network (e.g. unloading has taken place),it leaves the supervision of the master object centre 2 (by preparing awithdrawal report for the master object centre 2 and posting it via theIT contact established between them) and executes again the protocol ofregistering with the traffic control system.

The operation of the system is assisted by a task-specific systemprogrammed installed on the processing unit 17.

The object centre 2 consists of the following units: processing unit 17,on-board diagnostic unit 17 a, space-information unit 17 b, on-boardhealth care centre 17 c, ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, foetusmonitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2, EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3,stewardess monitor 17 c, on-board voice generator 17 d, satellite-basednavigation receiver 18, radio transceiver 19, satellite radiotransceiver 20 a, satellite coordinate transmitter 20 b, identity codegenerator 21, operator unit 23, on-board telephone exchange 24, vehiclediagnostic unit 22 a, autopilot coupling unit 22 b, and data acquisitionunit 22 c of the vehicle.

If necessary, the units listed above are suitable for sending andreceiving asynchronous messages, when the relevant object does not waitfor the response after sending out a message, but performs furtheroperations, and are also capable of handling competition within theobject, i.e. they can receive reports from a different object, whileworking on processing the previous one.

The object 1 implemented as an aircraft by way of example has its ownsystems linked to the traffic control system according to the invention,which systems are the diagnostic unit 22 a the autopilot, and the dataacquisition unit 22 c, but the definitions of these systems cannaturally be extended to all vehicles as well.

The processing unit 17 is the central unit of the object centre 2. Itstask system is the following:

-   -   Co-ordinating the activities of the units making up the object        centre 2, and organising the IT communication among them.    -   Maintaining IT communication with the traffic control system,        for example the IT centre 28, the IT centre 32 b, the IT unit 36        and the processing units 17 of other vehicles, and forwarding        the instructions, commands and databases received from there to        the object centre 2 unit addressed.    -   Editing the reports i.e. electronic documents considered as the        basic unit of IT communication.

The units working under the supervision of the processing unit 17 aresoftware-hardware systems suitable for parallel data processing. Theoperations of the relevant software-hardware systems can be modelled orsubstituted by a software package prepared for the relevant task system.It is possible to elaborate a modification, in which the on-boarddiagnostic unit 17 a and/or the space-information unit 17 b and/or theon-board health care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies and/or theon-board voice generator 17 d and/or the satellite-based navigationreceiver 18 and/or the identity code generator 21 and/or the diagnosticunit 22 a and/or the data acquisition unit 22 c are integrated under thesoftware system of the processing unit 17 via a software package whichmodels or substitutes the associated task system.

The information flow between the object centre 2 and the IT centre 28,the IT centre 32 b, the IT unit 36, the processing unit 17 of the otherobject centre 2 and the regional control unit 35 of the regional controlcentre 4 takes place in the form of reports (electronic documents). Theprocessing unit 17 is responsible for editing and compiling the relevantdocument packages for the regional control unit 35.

Regarding the compiled electronic document, the processing unit 17performs the following preparation tasks prior to posting:

-   -   Breaking down to partial electronic documents as planned by the        regional control unit 35, which process if necessary is an        element of the optional communication strategy co-ordinated        regionally.    -   The application of a data compressing procedure, to the partial        electronic documents.    -   The application of an encrypting process to the partial        electronic documents.    -   Instruction of the identity code generator 21 to generate a        digital signature associated with the partial electronic        documents.

The substance of the report associated with the relevant electronicdocument comprises the following

-   -   The digital signature and the public key belonging to the object        centre 2.    -   The identifier of the compressing procedure applied for the        relevant electronic document and the extent of compressing.    -   The identifier of the encrypting procedure applied for the        relevant electronic document.    -   The compressed and encrypted document itself.

The report associated with the relevant electronic documents istransferred by the processing unit 17 to the radios of the object centre2 for posting, in a way corresponding to the optimal communicationstrategy compiled by the regional control unit 35.

Such a posted document can be, for example, the electronic document forregistration, which is a request from the vehicle associated with therelevant object centre 2 for being integrated into the traffic controlsystem. The electronic document for registration includes a request forintegrating the route plan of the relevant vehicle as an object planinto the regional traffic plan as a regional plan (if the given trafficplan has not yet been integrated into the regional traffic plan system,the plan itself is featured; it is automatically requested by theregional control unit 35), the system of databases of thespace-information unit 17 b waiting for an updating oriented loading,and furthermore information of the traffic control system, primarily theregional control unit 35 and the control device 32, about the resourcesof the given object centre 2 and about the technical and technologicalspecifics of the related vehicle. These resources and specifics are thefollowing: the system of diagnostic procedures available to the on-boarddiagnostic unit 17 a and the computer capacity, the system of diagnosticprocedures available to the diagnostic unit 22 a of the vehicle and thecomputer capacity, the system of data compressing and data encryptingprocedures available to the processing centre 17, the substance of thedynamic database in the space-information database of thespace-information unit 17 b and furthermore the technical-technologicaldata of the radio technology facilities available to the processingcentre 17.

Handled by the object centre 2, several complex tasks are resolved.Complexity means that the relevant task is jointly tackled by a givenpartial group of the units making up the object centre 2. In this casethe activity of the processing unit 17 consists in organising the flowof databases and reports necessary for resolving the relevant task andpreparing the reports in an appropriate format.

The object centre 2 performs the automatic updating oriented loading ofthe quasi-dynamic space-information database of the space-informationunit 17 b, which means the following. The static database of objectshazardous to traffic, of limited and prohibited air spaces and trafficzones, as well as the meteorological maps are in the space-informationdatabase of the space-information unit 17 b of the on-board objectcentre 2, and the actual data are in the central database 34 of the maincontrol centre 12. The updating oriented loading procedure is carriedout automatically after registering with the traffic control system andfollowing the integration of the route plan, under co-ordination fromthe regional control unit 35. Therefore, the system of above mentionedobjects and plans appears with their actual parameters after that theupdating process has been completed.

The updating process is the following.

In the first step the regional control unit 35, after having integratedthe given object centre 2 into the traffic control system, requests areport automatically from the processing unit 17 of the object centre 2about the dynamic maps already installed in the space-informationdatabase of the space-information unit 17 b of the on-board system andabout the database of hazardous objects, limited and prohibited airspaces and traffic zones. In the second step, the space-information unit17 b prepares the desired report, and then the processing unit 17forwards it to the regional control unit 35 via the radio transceiver 19and/or the satellite radio transceiver 20 a and the IT unit 36. Thereports include the parameter vectors unambiguously characterising therelated databases. In the third step, the regional space-informationunit 37 compiles the report of the requested database, and in the formof a report, the regional control unit 35 informs the relevant vehicle,along the IT access route of the linked object centre 2, whilemaintaining the optimal communication strategy, about the updateddatabase. In the fourth step, the space-information unit 17 b of theaddressed vehicle integrates the relevant updated database into its owndatabase. The space-information database of the space-information unit17 b is called an object space-information database.

By means of the operator unit 23, different requests can be addressed tothe traffic control system, for example requests for displaying variousgeographic and flight maps, a request for displaying the currenttransport situation of an arbitrary traffic zone, a request fordisplaying the traffic plan system of an arbitrary traffic zone, arequest for displaying the current and forecast meteorological situationof an arbitrary geographic area, requests for compiling and retrieving atraffic information database handled in the traffic control system, anda request for displaying the traffic junction of an arbitrary trafficzone, for example airports and naval ports.

The edition of requests for the relevant tasks and the requesteddatabases is carried out by a flight plan and request editing programmedcompatible with the traffic control system. The programmed is installedin the processing unit 17. The reports (electronic documents) containingthe applications are forwarded by the processing unit 17 to the unitsthat compile the requested databases.

The relevant task can be performed without making any request to theregional control centre 4, even when the above mentioned databases anddatabase handling units are set up independently, regardless of thetraffic system. In the given case, the requesting object centre 2performs direct search through the involved database and databasehandling units, and furthermore via the units handling the ITcommunication available to it Applying for, compiling and communicatingthe databases have the same logic as the approach used in the trafficcontrol system, and editing an application for the relevant tasks andthe requested databases is carried out by a flight plan and requestediting programmed compatible with the above mentioned database anddatabase handling units.

The autopilot strategy elaboration is also carried out in the objectcentre 2. The traffic route of the vehicle belonging to the relevantobject centre 2 is handled by the space-information unit 17 b. There aretwo types of the above mentioned route: a static traffic route, in whichcase the traffic control supervision is inactive, and the dynamicallyplanned traffic route, when the traffic control supervision is active,and the given route plan is supplied by the regional space-informationunit 37 or the space-information unit 33.

The autopilot strategy elaboration is carried out as follows. In thefirst step, the procedures performed by the processing unit 17 and to bedescribed later, such as a deviation from the automatic route procedure,the automatic dangerous altitude procedure, the time remaining until theautomatic turning points procedure, the automatic landing and takeoffdirection procedure, the automatic approach to dangerous or prohibitedgeographic areas procedure and the automatic dangerous approach tovehicles are carried out in a continuous mode, at discrete times. Theregional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 of the regional controlcentre 4 responsible for the relevant traffic zone—which monitoring unitcarries out tests similar to those above, but on a regionallevel—prepares in a continuous mode at discrete times and posts to theprocessing unit 17 of the relevant object centre 2 the informative orinstructive reports. The results of tests carried out by the regionaltraffic situation monitoring unit 38 are of a higher accuracy and theyare on a regional level, e.g. they take into consideration the actualregional traffic situation as well, and therefore the relevant tests arepreferably of a higher priority.

In the second step, if the results identified in the test result of theprocedures carried out in the system of the object centre 2 and/or theresults identified in the reports reflecting the results of testscarried out by the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 showhigher than permissible deviations or rise above a critical level, theprocessing unit 17 launches an autopilot strategy elaboration procedureand displays the actual results on the graphic platform of the operatorunit 23.

In the third step, the autopilot strategy elaboration procedure requeststhe space-information unit 17 b to model mathematically the given routemodification. The task is carried out by the partial procedure ‘routemodification’ of the ‘route modelling’ procedure. If the alarm is givenby the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38, the execution ofthe relevant procedure is unnecessary because it is with an alarm thatthe above mentioned unit sends the mathematical model of the routemodification corresponding to the type and technical status of thevehicle and prepared by the regional space-information unit 37 together.Now the strategy modelling procedure to be followed by the autopilot andrelated to the plotted route model is performed, and then the givenautopilot strategy is transferred to the regulating system whichcontrols the work of the autopilot. The elaborated autopilot strategy isnothing else than the specifying of regulating functions in relationwith the steering devices.

The tasks related to the clock of the object centre 2 are as follows.For the IT communication and for tackling the transport tasks in aplanned and high quality way, it is indispensable to have anappropriately accurate timing. With a number one priority, the clock ofthe object centre 2 is nothing else than the internal clock of thesatellite-based navigation receiver 18, which is of very high accuracyand provides a uniform time parameter from the side of the trafficcontrol system, regarding the parties there. In this case, the clock ismade accurate in a way known from the prior art through satellite-basedmeasurements. The task is carried out automatically and on a regularbasis by the satellite-based navigation receiver 18 of each objectcentre 2. With a secondary priority, the provision of support inrelation to the clock of the object centre 2 is ensured by the regionalcontrol unit 35 of the regional control centre 4 which conducts themonitoring of the relevant traffic zone. The digital clock is adjustedautomatically when the relevant object centre logs in.

The satellite co-ordinate transmitter 20 b can be operated in twodifferent modes. A continuous mode prevails if the traffic controlsupervision is interrupted due to some technical reasons, and if thequality of IT communication is judged to be of an insufficient graderespectively. In this case, the processing unit 17 of the given objectcentre 2 sets the operation of the satellite co-ordinate transmitter 20b so far having operated in a quasi-continuous mode to continuous mode.This mode means that the identity code of the object centre 2 or in casethe identity code generator 21 is fitted, the public key of the digitalsignature is broadcast continuously at discrete times by thetransmitter. In this case, the traffic control system is continuously insight of the relevant object centre 2.

The quasi-continuous mode is started automatically by the processingunit 17 after switching on the object centre 2. In this mode, thetransmitter broadcasts a series of pulses with a significant timeinterval, and these pulses include the identity code of the objectcentre 2. Now the traffic control system is in sight of the relevantobject centre 2 at discrete times, and utilises the data as controlresults.

On the basis of compensated and uncompensated co-ordinate data to bedescribed later and located in the space-information database of thespace-information unit 17 b, the following parameters can be generatedand directed to the graphic display of the operator unit 23 in order toplot a virtual dashboard: the extent and direction of actual overgroundspeed calculated on the basis of differential procedures applied to thetimeline of co-ordinate data,—or calculated by adapting a differentmathematical procedure,—along with the actual overground altitude, whichis forwarded automatically to the processing unit 17 by the ‘hazardousaltitude automatic procedure’, and also by a similar procedure conductedby the associated regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 and thetraffic situation monitoring unit 33 a, as well as a virtual artificialhorizon implemented by a plurality of satellite-based navigationreceivers 18 or the satellite-based navigation antenna 18 a operating inparallel and fitted on several points of the vehicle.

The diagnostic testing of the IT communication between the object centre2, the regional control unit 35, and if necessary between theindependent databases not making part of the traffic control system andthe IT nets made accessible to the relevant object centre 2 and thesystem of object centres 2 participating in the traffic is carried outby the processing unit 17 from the side of the object centre 2. In thecourse of this process, it examines the integrity of all digitallysigned reports (electronic documents) received from the units listed. Italso examines the response IT diagnostic reports returned by the unitslisted, regarding the electronic documents that test the ITcommunication and were posted previously in a continuous procedure by itat discrete times. The posting of the diagnostic reports is performed bythe processing unit 17 in an automatic and continuous mode, at discretetimes. The procedure monitors the substance of the response report, itssyntactic and semantic integrity and whether it has been received beforethe deadline.

The diagnostic testing of the relevant IT communication is alsomonitored and examined by the units listed above. The procedure carriedout by the units listed above is similar to that performed by theprocessing unit 17.

If, on the basis of the test results, the processing unit 17 judges theIT communication to be unsatisfactory or interrupted, sets the satelliteco-ordinate transmitter 20 b to continuous mode, sets maximum reportdensity for broadcasting the satellite-based co-ordinate data andlaunches the procedure for the syntactic and semantic analysis of theinstructions identified in the electronic documents and in internal ITcommunications and to be described later on, as performed by theprocessing unit 17.

If there is no traffic control supervision, the object centres 2 of therelevant vehicles get automatically in contact with each other andtransfer reciprocally their traffic technology databases for the otherinvolved object centres 2. The responsibility for performing the trafficcontrol tasks rests with the group commander appointed on the basis of acertain consideration and in charge of supervising the relevant objectcentre 2.

When there is a traffic control supervision, the regional control unit35 and the control device 32 can set up so-called groups for the systemof object centres 2 under their supervision. The group consists of thegroup commander (commander object centre 2) and a system of thesubordinate object centres 2.

The task of the group commander on-board centres 17is on the one hand tomaintain a continuous and mutual IT contact between the group commanders(and furthermore in case there is a traffic control supervision, toperform the ongoing diagnostic test of the latter) and to organise andto conduct the transport of databases affecting the group commanders onthe other hand, to maintain a continuous and mutual IT contact betweenthe subordinate object centres 2 and between the subordinate objectcentres 2 and themselves (in case there is a traffic controlsupervision, to perform its ongoing diagnostic testing, which is carriedout by both the group commander and the object centres 2 belonging tothe group, based on the activities of their processing units 17), aswell as to organise it, then in the third place, to compile the relevantdatabases for the subordinate object centres 2 and to organise theircustomised transport and in the fourth place, if there is no trafficcontrol supervision, to integrate new object centres 2 into the groupsystem, which present themselves and request to be included under thetraffic control supervision.

The integration process is based on an iterative work among the groupcommanders; in the first step, the object centre 2 requesting admittancegets into IT contact with the object centre 2 of the group commanderaccessible. In the second step, the group commanders carry out areconciling and iterative integration protocol, which is performed onthe basis of the characteristics of the object centre 2 waiting forintegration and according to the IT and computer technology workload ofthe group commanders. It is also part of the integration protocol duringthe integration of an object centre 2 into the traffic control systemthat an integration protocol in connection with the database transportscarried out as a standard procedures and with the relevant traffic planis implemented. As the final result of the integration protocol, thegroup commander responsible for the relevant object centre 2 isappointed. In the third step, on the one hand the group commanderinforms the object centre 2 waiting to be integrated about beingadmitted to his own group, and on the other hand in a customised way,posts it the database that identifies the group, and in the third place,carries out the updating oriented loading of the relevant object centre2 units is carried out. As a result of the integration process, thegroups constitute a dynamic system, thus the composition of the groups,and therefore even the group commander can be changed even several timesduring the existence of the group.

After this the group commander implements a task system, a protocolprocedure system and a monitoring system of the same logic as the systemof the subordinated object centres 2, and the system of traffic managertasks of the regional control centre 4 and its work. The protocol systemimplemented by the group commander is the following:

-   -   on the level of the processing unit 17, planning and        implementation of an optimal communication strategy in the group        and/or keeping contact with the external IT networks connected        (it is indispensable if necessary to set up databases and IT        centres that can be directly accessed and handled by the object        centres 2), and the diagnostic testing of the IT contact between        the object centres 2 in the group and the group commander and/or        regulating the density parameter of the co-ordinate reports of        the object centres 2 of the group and supplying them to the        other group commander object centres 2,    -   when integrating it into the group on the level of the        space-information system 17 b, the updating oriented loading of        the database of the space-information unit 17 b and/or the        space-information modelling of the route system of the object        centres 2 associated with the group and/or report-like ‘posting’        of the actual traffic situation of the group's traffic zone to        the other group commanders and/or performing a group-level        integration of the traffic plans involving the group,    -   on the level of the space-information system 17 b, regarding the        traffic situation monitoring tasks, on the part of the object        centres 2 of the group, performing tie route deviations        procedure and/or the approaching of ‘dangerous or prohibited’        geographic zones automatic procedure and/or the automatic        estimation of the flight time remaining until the turning points        procedure and/or the automatic monitoring test of hazardous        approaches and/or the dangerous altitude and its automatic        forecast procedure.

In the IT communication network thus established, the object centre 2 ofthe group commander and the system of the object centres 2 belonging tothe group constitute an IT network. In the given network, the computertechnology resources of the system of the object centres 2 involvedoperate as a computer-based task-oriented computer network, where theobject centre 2 of the group commander fulfills the functions of aprocess coordinating server. The local IT networks represented by theobject centres 2 of the group commanders, as central IT network level,constitute a local IT network family being in continuous IT contact witheach other, and operating in parallel. In the IT network family, theobject centres 2 of the group commanders ensure the IT compatibility andtransparency between the local networks, which represent autonomous andindependent networks in themselves.

In the object centre 2, traffic situation monitoring tasks are alsocarried out The fulfillment of the tasks is ensured by a system ofprocedures carried out in association with the set of tasks, in acontinuous mode of operation, at discrete times. It is an importantcircumstance that if the traffic control supervision is active and therelevant vehicle complies with the customised dynamic traffic plan drawnup by the regional control centre 4, dangerous traffic situations arepractically impossible to occur.

In the course of preparing the traffic situation monitoring tasks, inthe first step, from the database of the space-information unit to bedescribed later on the processing unit 17 reads in the 3D long-termco-ordinate timeline of the vehicle, if there is no traffic controlsupervision, uses the 3D long-term co-ordinate timelines generated bythe space-information unit 17 b on the basis of the co-ordinate datasupplied by the satellite-based navigation receiver 18, and the dynamicand (if there is no traffic control supervision) the static mathematicalmodel of the traffic route plan. In the second step, from thespace-information database of the space-information unit 17 b, retrievesthe data referring to the actual traffic situation of the relevantregion (the identity codes of the aircraft in the regional zone, thestatic route plan of the aircraft in the regional zone, the actualmeteorological map databases, the traffic data of the landing sites,airports and standby airports identified in the route plan of therelevant aircraft, the dynamic route modification system of the aircraftin the given regional zone), to create the long-term 3D co-ordinatetimeline forecast of the relevant regional zone, as well as thelong-term 3D speed co-ordinate timeline prognosis. In the third steplaunches the procedures relative to—as described below—route deviation,dangerous altitude, remaining time until the turning points, landing andtaking off direction, approaching of dangerous or prohibited geographiczones and dangerous approach are launched.

In the course of the automatic procedure of route deviations, as a firststep the processing unit 17 requests the space-information unit 17 b tocalculate the distance of the actual co-ordinate data as well asco-ordinate and speed data forecasts and the respective dynamic andstatic traffic route plan concerning the relevant moment of time andtimeline.

In the second step, on the basis of the relevant results, it givesinstructions to the operator unit 23 to display the extent of thedeviation on a graphic platform, and in case the deviations are largerthan the threshold rate, it alarms the autopilot through the autopilotcoupling unit 22 b to minimise the relevant deviation It is an importantcircumstance that the competence of the object centre 2 extends onlyover small deviations from the route during the traffic controlsupervision. If the results plotted in the first step reach a criticallevel, an informative report is drawn up about this event for theon-board voice generator 17 d. The informative report includes theidentifier of the danger detection procedure, the value of the relevantparameter and the degree of risk level. On the basis of the parametervector featuring in the report read in, the on-board voice generator 17d identifies and highlights the text database supporting the fulfillmentof the task and reads it in. Then, it notifies the processing unit 17and requests that a user audio frequency data channel assigned to therelevant task be allocated for itself. After that the processing unit 17has given its conformation and the requested audio frequency datachannel has been allocated, the on-board voice generator 17 d performsthe audio frequency presentation of the text database.

In the course of the hazardous altitude automatic procedure, which isnot required in railway, road and water implementation, in the firststep the processing unit 17 requests the space-information unit 17 b todetermine the distance between the actual co-ordinate date, theco-ordinate and speed data forecasts and their normal projections on the3D map. In the second step, on the basis of the results, it instructsthe operator unit 23 to display the calculated overground distance onits graphic platform, and when a dangerous altitude is reached, theautopilot is alarmed through the autopilot coupling unit 22 b to reach asafe altitude, and furthermore if needed it starts up the on-board voicegenerator 17 d in a way already discussed.

In the first step of the automatic procedure for estimating theremaining flight time until reaching the turning points, the processingunit 17 requests the space-information unit 17 b to carry out the actualco-ordinate and speed data forecasts and the estimation of the remainingflight time until the next turning point in the respective dynamic (orstatic) traffic route plan In the second step, on the basis of theresults, it instructs the operator unit 23 to display the estimates ofthe remaining flight time on its graphic platform, and in the case ofsmall deviations in time, it alarms the autopilot through the autopilotcoupling unit 22 b to minimise the relevant deviation in time, andfurthermore if needed it starts up the on-board voice generator 17 d ina way already discussed.

As the first step of the automatic control procedure of landing andtakeoff direction, the processing unit 17 requests the space-informationunit 17 b to specify the system of input/output procedures correspondingto the technical-technological characteristics of the given vehicle, andfurthermore the space information-mathematical standard model of thevehicle in connection with the task, on the basis of the destination,the standby airports and landing sites, as well as the starting trafficjunction space information traffic technology database. The givenspace-information mathematical standard model is nothing else than themathematical model of the traffic task specific route plan of therelevant vehicle.

In the second step, on the basis of the results, the processing unit 17makes a decision whether to apply its own model or the model posted bythe traffic control system. If there is traffic control supervision, thespace-information model of the dynamically planned traffic route of thetraffic control system is of higher priority. Furthermore, instructs theoperator unit 23 to display the given model on its graphic platform, andinstructs through the autopilot coupling unit 22 b the autopilotintegrated into the traffic control system to follow the relevantspace-information model and if needed it starts up the on-board voicegenerator 17 d in a way already discussed.

When an automatic procedure is to be carried out on approaching adangerous or prohibited geographic zone, as a first step, at discretetimes and on an ongoing basis, the processing unit 17 requests theregional space-information unit 37 to determine the characteristicspace-information parameter vector of the dangerous or prohibitedgeographic zones located in the area of the actual co-ordinate data andthe co-ordinate and speed coordinate prognosis. If there is no trafficcontrol supervision, the database located in the database of thespace-information unit 17 b is applied, which database is updated onregistration with the system. In the second step, it instructs thespace-information unit 17 b to determine the distances and the forecastsfor the distances between the relevant objects and the vehicle. In thethird step, the operator unit 23 is instructed to display the degree towhich the dangerous or prohibited geographic zones are approached, andif necessary, the on-board voice generator 17 d is started up in a wayalready discussed.

As the first step of the procedure to be carried out in the case ofdangerous approaches, the processing unit 17, on the basis of thelong-term 3D co-ordinate timeline prognosis and long-term 3D speedco-ordinate timeline forecast of the object centres 2 located in thegiven regional traffic zone, models the momentary distances of thevehicles belonging to the object centres 2 in the given regional trafficzone, as well as the long-term and short-term prognosis of distancesfrom one another. In the second step, on the basis of the data of thefirst step, starts up automatically the procedures of the processingunit 17 relative to route deviation, dangerous altitude and theapproaching of a dangerous or prohibited geographic zone.

In the third step, from the database of the processing unit 17 thespace-information unit 17 b reads in the space-information databaseassociated with the relevant task, and modelled, calculated and postedby the regional control unit 35 and by itself. Now, the database read inpreviously is compared—in a mathematical sense a ‘distance’ iscalculated—with the space-information database modelled by theprocedures started up in the second step. The comparison of the relevantmodels is carried out by taking into consideration the priority levelsand the characteristics of the databases. Next the regional control unit35 is informed on the results obtained from comparing the models. Whatto do from then on is decided by the regional control unit 35.

In the fourth step, on the basis of the results, the regional controlunit 35 informs and alarms, the given object centre 2 about the resultsconcerning the approaches that could become dangerous or theirforecasts. If necessary, in the way already discussed, the on-boardvoice generator 17 d is started up on the basis of the data modelled inthe third step. In the case of a dangerous approach or its forecast, itcarries out the instructions of the regional control unit 35 or evasionoperations are carried out automatically by the procedures applied bythe processing unit 17 relative to route deviation, dangerous altitudeand approaching a dangerous or prohibited geographic area, with theco-ordination of the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38. Itis an important circumstance that the regional control unit 35co-ordinating the task can instruct directly the autopilot of therelevant vehicle to follow the dynamic route for avoiding the dangerousapproach.

If there is no traffic control supervision, the procedure of approachinga dangerous or prohibited geographic zone and/or a procedure to becarried out in the case of dangerous approaches, handled by the objectcentres 2 involved, are performed automatically as described abovewithin the organisational framework of the group, relying on thecomputer technology resources (computer network) of the processing units17 involved.

The related procedure is the following. In the first step, theprocessing unit 17 or the space-information unit 17 b of the objectcentre of the group commander models the momentary distances of thevehicles from each other in the given group zone, and the long andshort-term forecast of the distances between them, using the long-term3D co-ordinate timeline forecast involving the traffic zone of the groupunder its supervision and the long-term 3D speed co-ordinate timelineforecast.

In the second step, on the basis of the data of the first step, theprocedures of the processing unit 17 relative to route deviations,approaching dangerous or prohibited zones and dangerous altitude arestarted up.

In the third step, on the basis of the results, the involved objectcentres 2 are informed or alarmed, about the results concerningdangerous approaches and their forecasts, and furthermore in the case ofa dangerous approach or its forecast, it alarms the processing unit 17of the associated object centre 2 to carry out the dynamic routeplanning procedure. It is an important circumstance that it is possibleto set up a system, in which the processing unit 17 of the groupcommander that co-ordinates the task can instruct directly the autopilotof the associated object centre 2 to follow the dynamic route foravoiding the dangerous approach. If the degree of dangerous approach bycertain vehicles reaches a critical value, a procedure relative to thespecific vehicle is launched to select automatically a provisionallanding site as well as to provide automatic guidance. Furthermore, theactual object centre 2 is informed on the results.

The on-board unit 17 includes a database, which is not necessarilyrequired in a railway implementation, unless the railway line isautomated. The substance of the database is the following.

-   -   A system of input/output procedures supporting the traffic        situation monitoring task and corresponding to the        technical-technological characteristics of the relevant vehicle.    -   The technical-technological database of the relevant vehicle.        Its task is to support the traffic-related strategic tasks        associated with the autopilot.    -   The technical-technological database of the autopilot associated        with the relevant vehicle. Its task is to support the        traffic-related strategic tasks associated with the autopilot.    -   The system of text databases supporting the on-board voice        generator 17 d. (The text database supporting the on-board        diagnostic unit 17 a, the text database supporting the traffic        situation monitoring tasks of the space-information unit 17 b,        the text database supporting the work of the diagnostic unit 22        a, the text database supporting the work of the on-board health        care centre 17 c. In the case of the autonomous on-board health        care centre 17 c, the database is located in the health care        diagnostic database of the on-board health care centre 17 c).

The database of the processing unit 17 is loaded prior to theinstallation of the object centre 2, in accordance with the type of therelevant vehicle. In the course of the operations, a further updatingoriented loading can be carried out automatically by the regionalcontrol unit 35, and in an optional case in an automatic way by theobject centre 2 itself, by contacting, in a report, the operators of thedatabases made accessible by the object centres 2, and the databases anddatabase operators made suitable for this task through various ITcontacts. In this case the regional control unit 35 and the objectcentre 2 of the relevant vehicle are informed on the new database whenregistering for the first time after installation.

The processing unit 17 of the object centre 2 is prepared for all tasksinherent in the task system of conventional design satellite-basednavigation tools. The task system discussed in the case of the objectcentre 2 only includes a task system which is different from theconventional one and requires an ATMS central manager support.

The on-board health care centre 17 c, its subassemblies and theco-ordination of their activity will be described below. The processingunit 17 ensures for the on-board health care centre 17 c and its expertsubassemblies that the users linked to the relevant expert units areanalysed by parallel and independent health care diagnostics processingmethods. It is possible to set up a system in which the task system ofthe on-board health care centre 17 c is integrated in the task system ofthe processing unit 17. In the given configuration there is no need fora separate on-board health care centre 17 c, because its task ismodelled and ensured by a task-specific procedure and protocol packagewhich are integrated into the task system of the processing unit 17.

Optionally, it is possible to fit health-care diagnostic facilitiesowned by the user and applying no radio communication procedures andbeing compatible with the traffic control and IT communication system tothe on-board health-care centre 17 c. If necessary, the user can decidewhether the relevant health-care diagnostic analyses should be carriedout by the health care diagnostic device owned by it and/or by theon-board health care-centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies. In casethe health care diagnostic analyses are carried out or are also carriedout by the on-board health care-centre 17 c and its expertsubassemblies, the diagnostic measurement results are provided in an ITmanner by the above mentioned health-care diagnostic device. The healthcare diagnostic device is fitted and connected to the on-boardhealth-care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies through theprotocol described for these units and via an IT connection.

It is possible to elaborate a modification in which the operation of theon-board health-are centre 17 c is independent of the operations of theprocessing unit 17, hence it can be fitted on vehicles even without anyregard for the development of the traffic control and IT communicationsystem, and in the area of arbitrary locations and institutions.

The co-ordination of the health-care diagnostic activities of the ECGsubassembly 17 c 1, foetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 and theEEG expert subassembly 17 c 3 is carried out by the user or by thestewardess. The user or, taking over the work of the user, thestewardess can specify the configurations made accessible to them on thedata input platform of the stewardess monitor 17 e linked to theoperator unit 23, or to the processing unit 17 or optionally directly tothe on-board health-care centre 17 c, and can check the data input ontheir monitor subassembly. The on-board health-care centre 17 cisinformed about the relevant commands and parameters by the processingunit 17. The order of performing the relevant task is the same for theECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, for the foetus monitoring expertsubassembly 17 c 2 and for the EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3, thereforea general discussion will be provided below.

As the first step of a task determination process by the user orstewardess, the user or the stewardess applies the data input platformof the operator unit 23 or the stewardess monitor 17 e to enter therelevant human check-up group, consisting of the health care subassemblyassociated with the medical/diagnostic check-up of the relevant organ aswell as of the related task-specific medical/diagnostic procedureprogrammed package. Entering is carried out by means of a menu systemdesigned for the system programmed running on the system of theprocessing unit 17, and then instructions are manually issued there. Inthe second step, the operations and/or the input data executed in themenu system are supplied from the data input platform of the operatorunit 23 and the stewardess monitor 17 e to the processing unit 17, wherethe latter performs the following functions with the contribution of thesystem programmed:

-   -   Translating the instructions and/or configuration parameters        representing the input data.    -   Transforming the translated instructions and/or configuration        parameters to a form corresponding to the IT specifics of the        addressed on-board health care centre 17 c, then forwarding them        to the IT input of the relevant unit.    -   Transforming the translated instructions and/or configuration        parameters to a form which the user is able to understand,        forwarding them to the IT input of the stewardess monitor 17 e        and to the monitor subassembly of the operator unit 23,        respectively.    -   The operator unit 23 and the stewardess monitor 17 e,        respectively, displays the data received to the user and the        stewardess, respectively. Therefore, the involved parties can        control the execution of the relevant task.

In the third step, in the course of processing, the on-board health-carecentre 17 c interprets the instructions and/or configuration parameterdata vector received in the second step the heading of the instructionsand/or configuration parameter data vector posted to it The headingincludes the destination of the data vector, i.e. the ECG expertsubassembly 17 c 1, the foetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 andthe EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3. In addition, in a compatible way withthe characteristics of the human test group identified in the heading,it examines the instructions and/or configuration parameter data vectorfrom a syntactic and semantic aspect, and performs the followingfunctions on the basis of the results of the examination.

-   -   In the case of a correct parameter data vector:    -   It transfers the instructions and/or configuration parameter        data vector to the IT input of the health care subassembly of        the addressed and coordinated human test group.    -   It informs the processing unit 17 that the instructions and/or        configuration parameter data vector have been accepted by the        on-board health-care centre 17 c.    -   Furthermore, the processing unit 17 edits a report and forwards        it to the operator unit 23 and the stewardess monitor 17 e,        respectively, in order to inform the user and the stewardess,        respectively.

In the case of an incorrect parameter data vector:

-   -   It compiles an error data vector on the defects and shortfalls        discovered in the instructions and/or configuration parameter        data vector.    -   It informs the processing unit 17 on the content of the edited        error data vector.    -   On the basis of the content of the error data vector, the        processing unit 17 then edits a report and forwards it to the        operator unit 23 and the stewardess monitor 17 e in order to        inform the user and the stewardess, respectively.

In the fourth step, in the case of a correct parameter data vector, thehealth care subassembly, i.e. the ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, thefoetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 and the EEG expertsubassembly 17 c 3, associated with the addressed human test groupperforms the commands and instructions on the basis of the instructionsand/or configuration parameter data vector examined and posted by theon-board health centre 17 c.

The health care diagnostic work of the ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1,foetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 and EEG expert subassembly17 c 3 is coordinated from the medical centre 48. If necessary, theactual health care diagnostic data of the examined user are suppliedon-line or in a quasi on-line mode to the medical centre 48, where theoperator directs the health care diagnostic database received from therelevant user to the IT input of its own expert system compatible withthe relevant health care diagnostic task, in order to be analysed on ahigher level than by the on-board health care centre 17 c and its expertsubassemblies. Once the analysis is carried out, a decision is madeabout the configuration of the parameter vector that determines the workof the on-board health care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies.The medical centre 48 is in IT contact with the regional control unit35, therefore the technical and health care diagnostic facilities of theon-board health care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies carryingout on-board health care diagnostics are accessible to the operator,who, under the co-ordination of the regional control unit 35, posts theparameter vector he has generated to the relevant processing unit 17 andthrough it to the on-board health care centre 17 c and its expertsubassemblies, which process it in the way already discussed, and thenautomatically execute the health care diagnostic tests identifiedtherein.

Optionally, a medical camera 17 e 5 is associated with the on-boardcentre 17 c. The tasks of the camera involve the medical and securityrelated visual observation of the passengers and the crew. The digitalpictures can be taken on the basis of a strategy for both continuous anddiscrete time image sampling. The co-ordination of its work can becarried out by the on-board health care centre 17 c, the medical centre48, the operator unit 42 or optionally also by the processing unit 17.It also is possible to design an embodiment which is independent of thetraffic control system of the discussed unit, in this case the camera isdirectly attached to the IT system of the vehicle.

The technical diagnostic test of the on-board health care centre 17 c,the ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, the foetus monitoring expertsubassembly 17 c 2 and the EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3 can beperformed in two ways. In the first case, the technical diagnostictesting of the on-board health care centre 17 c, the ECG expert (17 c1), the foetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2, and the EEG expertsubassembly 17 c 3 is carried out by the on-board diagnostic unit 17 aIn the other case, the technical diagnostic test of the ECG expertsubassembly 17 c 1, foetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 and EEGexpert subassembly 17 c 3 is carried out by the on-board health carecentre 17 c on its own, using the task specific diagnostic protocolsystem working under the supervision of its system programmed. In bothcases, the operation of the system is identical with the diagnosticprocedure to be described later on regarding the on-board diagnosticunit 17 a.

The health care reports drawn up by the on-board health care centre 17 cand its expert subassemblies are posted, and they are received by themedical centre 48, the operator unit 23, the stewardess monitor 17 e andthe user. The medical centre 48 receives the actual health carediagnostics data of the user subjected to health care diagnostics in anon-line or quasi on-line configuration (on the basis of the criticalrate of periodically posted health care diagnostic results and on thebasis of that of the performed health care diagnostic results, in anon-line switched mode). The above mentioned health care diagnosticdatabase transport is carried out automatically in the case of all userslinked to the on-board health care centre 17 c and to its expertsubassemblies. The processing unit 17, the regional control unit 35 andthe communication centre 45 are responsible for the discussed ITtransport. The health care reports prepared by the on-board health carecentre 17 c and its expert subassemblies and/or by the medical centre 48and its expert subassemblies are further posted to all the medical andhealth care centres identified by the users and the operator. This iscarried out if necessary on an IT network assigned to this task.

The establishment of the relevant IT contact between the diagnostiseduser and the medical centre 48 is carried out in a way already describedfor the traffic control system.

It is an important circumstance that all the reports distributed betweenthe traffic control units and subassemblies have been digitally signedThis ensures the immunity of the message and an unambiguousidentification of the sender. Of course, a different identification,encrypting and coding procedure may also be applied.

In the case of the reports prepared for the operator unit 23, thestewardess monitor 17 e and the user, respectively, because these unitsare the own devices of the object centre 2, the reports sent to eachother are not confirmed with a digital signature. In the case ofaircraft the display unit designed for the user is preferably fitted inthe seat back of the passenger sitting in front, and furthermore thestewardess monitor 17 e is nothing else than a workstation attached tothe on-board system in a permanent or provisional way. The systemprogrammed of the relevant workstations has a graphic platform operationsystem and text editor, respectively, with the graphic platform suitablydesigned for the purpose. Hence, the processing centre 17, the operatorunit 23, the stewardess monitor 17 e, the on-board health care centre 17c, the ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, the foetus monitoring expertsubassembly 17 c 2 and the EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3 and furthermorethe display unit designed for the user constitute a quasi-closedcomputer network, because the IT network is open towards the regionalcontrol unit 35. In the IT network, communication is based on protocolswell known in computer networks, consequently it will not be detailed.

The process covering the syntactic and semantic analysis of theinstructions identified in the electronic documents and in the internalIT contacts, respectively, is carried out automatically wheninterpreting the instructions both between the subassemblies of theobject centre 2 and between the object centre 2 and other units of thetraffic control system and/or the data vector which co-ordinates sometask specific process and. In the first step of the procedure, aninstructive report is supplied to an IT input of the processing unit 17.The relevant report may come from a subassembly of the object centre 2or from a different external unit which is part of the traffic controlsystem.

In the second step, the processing unit 17 performs the first-leveltesting of the relevant report, which is the first level syntacticanalysis of the report heading. In this test, the identity of the unittargeted by the instruction and/or the configuration parameter datavector is determined, and on the basis of the result obtained in theprevious point, the syntactic test of the instructions and/or theconfiguration parameter data vector is carried out on the basis of thestatic technical and IT characteristics of the targeted unit. If on thebasis of the first level test the syntactic analysis of the heading isqualified as unsatisfactory, the processing unit 17 plots an errorvector and includes it in a report, then plots a repair vector on thebasis of the relevant error vector, and then posts the relevant errorvector and repair vector report to the unit that has turned to it withthe request. If on the basis of the first level test the syntacticanalysis of the heading is qualified as satisfactory, it posts thelatter to the IT input of the targeted unit.

In the third step, the targeted unit carries out the following tasks:

-   -   Performing the semantic testing of the instructions and/or        configuration parameter data vector on the basis of their        dynamic technical and IT characteristics. Under the system        programmed of the relevant targeted unit, it is possible to have        a simultaneous operation of various procedures and protocols.        The precondition of executing the received instructions and/or        configuration parameter data vector is that they should be able        to be integrated with the currently running procedures and        protocols.    -   If the qualification of the test is satisfactory, the processing        unit 17 is informed on the result of the relevant test and on        the continuing of the task, it carries out the task determined        by the instructions and/or configuration parameter data vector,        and informs the user and the appointed persons/institutions on        the results modelled by the modified procedure and protocol, as        specified in the instructions and/or configuration parameter        data vector and in accordance with the associated standard        procedure.    -   If the qualification of the test is unsatisfactory, it plots an        error vector, plots a repair vector on the basis of the relevant        error vector, and informs the processing unit 17 in a report on        the relevant error vector and repair vector.

For the stewardess monitor 17 e, in an environment where a radiofrequency contact is permitted, preferably wireless communication isprovided. The communication is of the same character as the standardbluetooth technology or a different well-known radio frequency protocol.It is to be emphasised that its application in aviation is possible onlythrough a radio frequency that has been licensed in the given system bythe authorities.

The on-board diagnostic unit 17 a is an important part of the objectcentre 2. The task of this unit is to check and to supervise theoperations and the operating quality of the object centre 2 based ondiagnostic procedures carried out at discrete times according to thehigher level diagnostic reports of the regional diagnostic unit 35 a andalso by relying on the parameters set in advance on the platform of theoperator unit 23. In a railway implementation, naturally this appliesonly to the systems and sub-systems installed there.

The units subjected to the diagnostic procedure are the following: theprocessing unit 17, the satellite-based navigation receiver 18, theidentity code generator 21, the radio transceiver 19, the satelliteradio transceiver 20 a, the satellite co-ordinate transmitter 20 b, thediagnostic unit 22 a of the aircraft, the autopilot coupling unit 22 b,the data acquisition unit 22 c, the on-board telephone exchange 24, andthe on-board health care centre 17 c as well as the matched ECG expertsubassembly 17 c 1, the foetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 andthe EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3.

The on-board diagnostic unit 17 a is a purpose-oriented computernetwork, fitted with its own separate storing capacity andtarget-oriented peripherals. Due to the technical differences in theunits to be diagnosed, each unit subjected to diagnostic procedure isassociated with a separate diagnostic procedure package. Under thecontrol of the processing unit 17, the on-board diagnostic unit 17 aprepares reports at discrete times and in a continuous mode of operationfor the regional diagnostic unit 35 a, in view of the system of unitssubjected to diagnostic procedure. On the basis of the analysis of thediagnostic reports prepared for it, the regional diagnostic unit 35 aissues appropriate control instructions to the on-board diagnostic unit17 a, corresponding to the units subjected to the diagnostic procedureand to the type of the relevant vehicle, to select the diagnosticprocedure to be applied and the to set the parameters of the diagnosticprocedure to be applied.

In the traffic control system, in order to ensure diagnosticcompatibility, on integrating the relevant aircraft, the object centre 2issues a report to the regional diagnostic unit 35 a about theprogrammed packages of the diagnostic procedure installed on theon-board diagnostic unit 17 a and about the computer technologyresources available to the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a.

The operation of the diagnostic procedure is the following. Afterswitching on the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a, at discrete times andunder the control of the diagnostic system programmed, standarddiagnostic procedures are run. Next the diagnostic system programmed ofthe on-board diagnostic unit 17 a issues instructions to carry out thediagnostic qualification procedures on the basis of the previousdiagnostic results supplied by the diagnostic procedures and by relyingon the commands of the regional diagnostic unit 35 a. The abovementioned diagnostic process includes the inviting of a diagnosticprocedure in the diagnostic procedure package associated with the unitssubjected to a diagnostic procedure, by using appropriate parameters. Ifnecessary, the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a has its own internal clock.

The invited diagnostic procedures perform the technical diagnosticqualification of the unit under their supervision and furthermoreprepare a report about the diagnostic qualification procedure applied,as well as about the result of diagnostic qualification, for thediagnostic system programmed.

The diagnostic system programmed of the on-board diagnostic unit 17 adoes the following on the basis of the reports of the invited diagnosticprocedures. It evaluates the diagnostic reports received about thediagnostic procedures, relative to the units subjected to diagnosticprocedures, and then draws up the global diagnostic qualification ofunits subjected to a diagnostic procedure. On the basis of thediagnostic reports and the overall diagnostic qualification carried outby itself, it prepares a report about the diagnostic qualificationprocedure and about the result of diagnostic qualification for theprocessing unit 17, which report includes the diagnostic qualification,and furthermore for the regional control unit 35, which report includesthe diagnostic qualification, the name of the diagnostic procedure ordiagnostic strategy, eventual related diagnostic measuring results andthe time of diagnostic qualification.

If the diagnostic result of a diagnostised unit has been qualified asunsatisfactory, on the basis of the diagnostic reports drawn up by theon-board diagnostic unit 17 a, the diagnostic procedure programmedpackage installed on the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a, and the computertechnology resources available to the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a, theregional diagnostic unit 35 a compiles a diagnostic strategy for theon-board diagnostic unit 17 a to carry out the diagnostic test of therelevant unit,. In case the supervision of the traffic control system ismissing, the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a proceeds according to astandard pre-programmed strategy.

On the basis of a diagnostic strategy edited by the regional diagnosticunit 35 a, the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a carries out the diagnostictest of the relevant system, edits its temporary diagnosticqualification and in the way and with the substance mentioned above,draws up a report about the given procedure for the processing unit 17and the regional diagnostic unit 35 a, which on the basis of thediagnostic report mentioned above the regional diagnostic unit 35 aperforms the final diagnostic qualification of the relevant unit, aboutwhich it prepares an informative report for the processing unit 17.

During the time of traffic control supervision, the regional diagnosticunit 35 a—on the basis of its own decision, by making use of thediagnostic measuring results received in earlier reports and by relyingon the standard data existing in the central databases 34—makes aproposal to the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a to run diagnosticprocedures and to draw up the associated diagnostic reports. On thebasis of examining the diagnostic measuring results received in thereports, the regional diagnostic unit 35 a may make a proposal to theaircraft crew, in relation to operating the aircraft in mid-air.

If according to the final diagnostic qualification result, the relevantunit is not functionable, the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a makes aproposal to the processing unit 17, on the basis of a proposal from theregional control unit 35, about the further operation of the relevantunit.

If the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a judges the operation or thereliability of operations of any unit under its supervision to becritical, it draws up an information report about the relevant event forthe on-board voice generator 17 d and for the graphic platform of theoperator unit 23. The informative report includes the identifier of theon-board diagnostic unit 17 a, that of the procedure that reveals thehazard, that of the diagnostised subassembly, the value of the criticalparameter vector and the degree of risk level. On the basis of theparameter vector featuring in the report read in, the on-board voicegenerator 17 d and the operator unit 23 identify and assign the databasesupporting the fulfilment of the task and read it in. Then notify theprocessing unit 17 and request the splitting of the user's audiofrequency data channel assigned to the relevant task. After that theprocessing unit 17 has given its confirmation and the requested audiofrequency data channel has been split the on-board voice generator 17 dperforms its task.

A further important part of the object centre 2 is the space-informationunit 17 b. The standard scale 3D digital copy of the traffic map and theassociated databases are located in the space-information database ofthe space-information unit 17 b. The transformation, display and certainaviation safety, navigation and database handling operations associatedwith the above mentioned databases are carried out by thespace-information unit 17 b according to the following.

The task of handling the various map-based databases can be split intothe following two partial tasks: the procedure carried out in the planeX,Y, which ensures that information is provided about the relevantvehicle for the on-board operator, and furthermore the procedure carriedout in plane X,Z, which is primarily required in the case of flyingobjects, and which ensures that information is provided about the actualoverground altitude of the relevant flying object for the on-boardoperator.

The data obtained this way, can be displayed on the graphic platform ofthe operator unit 23. The displayed map-oriented databases are thefollowing:

-   -   the actual 3D geographic or 3D aviation map,    -   the actual meteorological map, which is updated by the regional        control unit 35 after registering with the traffic control        system and on an ongoing basis later on, and    -   the system of the actual dangerous or prohibited air spaces,        which system is updated by the regional control unit 35 after        registration with the traffic control system and on an ongoing        basis later on,    -   the timeline database (primary database) of the uncompensated        and compensated co-ordinate data.

The orientation of the map details discussed is always carried outaccording to the direction of movement of the relevant object centre 2.The space-information unit 17 b determines the relevant direction fromthe timeline of the compensated and uncompensated co-ordinate datalocated in its own database. The centre of the displayed maps isrepresented by the actual co-ordinate data of the object centre 2. Thisis provided by the space-information unit 17 b on the basis of thecompensated and uncompensated co-ordinate data in its own database. Thescale of the displayed maps is specified on the basis of the parametersidentified on the operator unit 23.

The task of the relevant procedure is the correct and time-proportionatemathematical modelling of the geographic co-ordinate of the 3D routeplans received by the space-information unit 17 b, which handles themathematically modelled and correct and time proportionate route plan(geographic co-ordinates) compatibly and simultaneously with the variousmap-based databases. The relevant model is stored in thespace-information database of the space-information unit 17 b for a timeinterval corresponding to its dynamism.

The space-information unit 17 b carries out the mathematical modellingof the static and dynamic route. In the first step of the procedure, theprocessing unit 17 instructs the space-information unit 17 b to carryout the task. The set of parameters determining the traffic route maycome from two different sources, i.e. from the static traffic route planin the space-information database of the space-information unit 17 b,and from the dynamic traffic route plan located in the space informationdatabase of the space information unit 17 b and compiled and posted bythe regional space information unit 37 of the regional control centre 4responsible for the relevant traffic zone.

In the second step, the space information unit 17 b carries out with thecorrect time parameters the 3D and mathematical modelling of therelevant traffic route plan corresponding to the geographicco-ordinates. In the third step the traffic route plan edited in thesecond point, together with the geographic co-ordinates and correct timeparameters, is integrated into the 3D map databases subjected to anupdating process, and furthermore at the user's request the processingunit 17 displays it on the graphic platform of the operator unit 23.

The route modification procedure is carried out by the space-informationunit 17 b, and the tasks of the procedure are the following: themathematical modelling of the dynamic traffic route plan compiled andposted by the regional space-information unit 37 of the regional controlcentre 4 responsible for the relevant traffic zone, and the integrationof said plan into the space-information database of thespace-information unit 17 b. In the first step of the procedure, theprocessing unit 17 instructs the space-information unit 17 b to carryout the relevant task The set of parameters determining the trafficroute are in this case the set of parameters in the space-informationdatabase of the space-information unit 17 b, which determine the dynamictraffic route plan compiled and posted by the regional space-informationdatabase 37. The second and third steps are identical with the secondand third steps described in the mathematical modelling procedure of thestatic and dynamic route.

The virtual artificial horizon modelling procedure reads in thespace-information model of the geometry, of the relevant vehicle fromthe database of the space-information unit 17 b, as well as theco-ordinate vectors associated with the identical times. By making useof the vectors and space-information database read in, it carries outthe compensating calculation of the relevant task, and then posts theedited spatial position vector to the processing unit 17 for furtherprocessing.

The space-information unit 17 b includes a space-information databasewith the following information.

-   -   The geographic database of the digital 3D aviation map and        geographic map, respectively.    -   The updated dynamic digital meteorological map.    -   The system of updated hazardous objects and restricted        airspaces.    -   In an optional case, the space-information model of the relevant        vehicle's geometry.    -   The 3D long-term co-ordinate and speed timeline of the relevant        vehicle with values compensated by the satellite-based        navigation compensator unit 41 of the regional control centre 4,        or in an optional case by the visual satellite-based navigation        compensator unit 41 a of the visual processing centre 5, or with        uncompensated values coming directly from the satellite-based        navigation receiver 18. In an optional case, when there are        several satellite-based navigation antennas 18 a and several        satellite-based navigation receivers 14 operating in parallel,        the involved co-ordinate vectors and the associated spatial        position vector timeline calculated by the space-information        unit 17 b and the regional space-information unit 37.    -   The mathematical model of the dynamic traffic route plan posted        by the regional space-information unit 37 of the regional        control centre 4 or of the traffic control system.    -   The mathematical model of the static traffic route plan        integrated previously by the regional space-information unit 37        of the regional control centre 4 or of the traffic control        system.    -   The space-information traffic technology database of the traffic        junctions involved in the static traffic plan, e.g. airports and        naval ports, which is filled up when integrating the relevant        object centre 2 into a traffic control system.    -   The actual traffic data of the relevant regional traffic zone,        i.e. the identity code (public key) of the aircraft in the        relevant regional zone, the static route plan of the aircraft in        the relevant regional zone, the actual meteorological map        databases, the traffic data of the landing sites, airports and        standby airports identified in the route plan of the relevant        aircraft, the dynamic route modification system of the aircraft        in the relevant regional zone and, as regards the co-ordinate        timelines, the database of the co-ordinate timeline        characterising the past situation

Consequently, the space-information database will include planningconditions data of such kind that must or should be taken intoconsideration in performing the control and communication tasks.

The geographical database of the digital 3D aviation map is filled up ona basic level prior to installing the object centre 2. In the course ofthe operations, further updating oriented loading operations can becarried out by the regional control unit 35 and by the operator,respectively. In this case the regional control unit 35 is informed onthe new database at the time of the (first) registration procedure ofthe object centre 2 of the relevant vehicle after installation. Thefilling up of the other partial databases is carried out by the regionalcontrol unit 35 and the processing unit 17, respectively.

In a railway implementation, primarily a 2D oriented database isapplied. Regarding function, this database is split into two parts:

-   -   Static database: this includes the railway routes and branches        in a 2D space-information model.    -   Dynamic database: this includes the actual switching position of        the switches fitted at the railway branchings, and the actual        switching position of the railway signal system fitted at        railway junctions and at other related background sites.

Other important parts of the object centre 2 are the on-board healthcare centre 17 cand its subassemblies, which carry out the followingtasks: independent and simultaneous control and supervision of thehealth care quality of the user(s), who can be the passengers, thestewardesses and the crew, audio frequency support of the user(s) inaccordance with their momentary health care diagnostic statuses, storingof the timeline of the related health care diagnostic measuring resultsin the health care database, display of higher priority health carediagnostic results provided by the medical centre 48, and automaticadaptation of the health care diagnostic instructions that co-ordinatethe work of the on-board health care centre 17 cand its expertsubassemblies through the medical centre 48.

By setting up the system it is possible to transfer on-line the actualhealth care diagnostic data of the user, on the basis of the advice ofthe user itself or by a different person on-board or by the medicalcentre 48, to the medical centre 48 for providing assistance.

For carrying out the health care tasks, the following are linked to theon-board health care centre 17 c: the system of health care diagnosticexpert subassemblies, the ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, the foetusmonitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 and the EEG expert subassembly 17 c3, the stewardess monitor 17 e, and furthermore the users themselves arealso linked in an IT manner either directly or indirectly, through theon-board telephone exchange 24, to the on-board health care centre 17 c.The IT link of the user is provided by the specific health carediagnostic measuring peripherals of the relevant diagnostic test, whichsaid peripherals are on the appropriate body surface of the user or ifnecessary within their bodies. The peripherals are connected to theon-board health care centre 17 c through wires, or by means of a radiocommunication procedure permitted by the authority to be used on boardof the relevant vehicle, e.g. by bluetooth technology. In the case ofwire contact, the IT interfaces are located in accordance with the typeof vehicle, for example in the seat back of the passenger sitting infront or in the seat of the passenger.

The health care unit may have three types of designs: a partialembodiment, an integrated but separate embodiment and an integratedembodiment In the partial embodiment, the on-board health care centre 17cand the system of the associated health care expert subassembliesconstitute separate hardware units. As regards the operation of thesystem, it is a target-oriented computer network with separate and jointbackground store capacities of appropriate size managed by the systemprogrammes of the on-board health care centre 17 c, the ECG expertsubassembly 17 c 1, the foetus monitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2, theEEG expert subassembly 17 c 3 and the, the stewardess monitor 17 e. Theon-board health care centre 17 c and the associated expert subassembliespreferably have their own system programmes and a health care basicdiagnostic procedure and protocol programmed package working under thesupervision of the relevant system programme. In this embodiment, thecentral co-ordination of the work of the discussed medical diagnosticcomputer network is carried out by the on-board health care centre 17 c.

In the integrated but separate embodiment, the system of the on-boardhealth care centre 17 c and the associated health care expertsubassemblies represent a single hardware unit In this design, thehealth care unit is an independent target-oriented computer, with itsown background store capacity of appropriate size, its own systemprogramme, and a health care basic diagnostic procedure and protocolprogramme package working under the supervision of the relevant systemprogramme and providing a software based modelling of the subassemblieslisted above along with their diagnostic task systems.

The integrated and the partial embodiments permit the setting up of ahealth care diagnostic centre which is independent of the trafficcontrol system and is centrally supervised and controlled by the medicalcentre 48.

In the integrated embodiment, the on-board health care centre 17 c, theassociated health care expert subassemblies and furthermore the systemof the human diagnostic procedures and protocols associated with theexpert subassemblies are featured in an integrated way in the system ofthe processing unit 17. This means that the on-board health care centre17 c and the system of the associated health care expert subassembliesand furthermore the related procedures and protocols representtask-specific and independent procedure systems which are in realityintegrated under the system programme of the processing unit 17.

Hereinafter, in discussing the health care unit and its subassemblies,no distinction will be made between the partial, the integrated butseparate and the integrated embodiments.

The on-board health care centre 17 c has a complex task system, andbasically carries out the co-ordination of the work of the associatedhealth care expert subassemblies, the signal preparation of the healthcare diagnostics measuring signals received by the health care expertsubassemblies and the co-ordination of the work of the health caredatabase. Furthermore, relying on the work of the stewardess monitor 17e, it provides a high-level and user-friendly communication between theuser and the health care expert subassemblies. The relevant task systemis tackled with independent and parallel processing associated with theuser(s).

The task system of the on-board health care centre 17 c is thefollowing:

-   -   Redirection of the transport of pre-processed and diagnostic        signals and databases to the related expert subassembly.    -   Syntactic and semantic analysis and qualification of the        instructions and/or configuration parameter determining the        health care tests in a human test group specific way.    -   Digitisation and pre-processing of the signals received from the        health care peripherals.    -   Health care oriented control of the on-board voice generator 17        d.    -   Reception of the instructions and reports from the medical        centre 48 and their posting to the related expert subassembly        and the user, respectively.    -   Health care diagnostic control of the regional voice generator        35 e.

In the given system design, the on-line analogue timeline of health carediagnostic measuring results is supplied from the measurement-specifichealth care peripherals associated with the on-board health care centre17 c to the on-board health care centre 17 c, where they are put throughexpert subassembly specific digitisation and pre-processing.

Next the on-board health care centre 17 c, in a selective andtask-specific way, redirects the relevant signal database to the placesor to the IT inputs of the units below:

-   -   Under the co-ordination of the processing unit 17, to the        medical centre 48.    -   To the health care expert subassembly responsible for the        relevant health care diagnostic test, for health care diagnostic        analysis.    -   To the health care diagnostic database handled by it. In the        given database, the following data are stored assigned to each        other: name and identifier code of the user, time of the test,        the digitised and signal pre-processed partial database, health        care diagnostic results, conclusions and proposals for warnings        in text form, and identifier of the health care expert        subassembly carrying out the relevant diagnostic procedure and        the health care diagnostic procedure and protocol. The database        may also include the static textual database of the on-board        voice generator 17 d.

Next, the health care expert subassemblies, after the health carediagnostic tests carried out by them and following the health carediagnostic evaluation of the results, edit a report about the tests forthe on-board health care centre 17 c, which prepares informative reportssuitably specified for the destinations determined on prescribing thediagnostic tasks and posts them via the processing unit The destinationcan be a user, the medical centre 48 and any institute or privateindividual.

The system programme of the on-board health care centre 17 c performs asyntactic and semantic analysis on the instructions and/or configurationparameter data vector determining the health care tests for saidprogramme and received from the users or even from the medical centre 48by means of the stewardess monitor 17 e and prepares their qualificationin a human check-up group specific way. In a partial embodiment therelevant task system may be transferred to the task system of the healthcare subassembly associated with the relevant human check-up group. Thesemantic analysis covers the questions whether the requested health carediagnostics and the parameter vector determining the same correspond tothe characteristics of the active diagnostic procedures in the system ofthe addressed human check-up groups and to their health care priority,and furthermore whether the requested health care diagnostics and theparameter vector determining the same correspond to the health careperipherals attached to the health care expert subassembly performingthe relevant test.

In case a wrong parameter data vector is read in, a draws up a reportabout the characteristics of the revealed error, plots an error datavector and then posts it to the processing unit 17, and if thedescription of the relevant task was delivered directly, then also tothe user having prescribed and determined the relevant health care test,together with the report mentioned above. This is displayed on thestewardess monitor 17 e. Next, prepares a report about the event andtransfers it to the health care diagnostic database handled by it Thetask of the digitisation and signal pre-processing is to supply adigital based and appropriate quality health care diagnostic measuringtimeline database to the ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, the foetusmonitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 and the EEG expert subassembly 17 c3. The relevant health care diagnostic measurement timeline database, inreal time or quasi real time, is put through diagnostic processing inthe given health care expert subassemblies. The parameters thatdetermine the operations of the analogue-digital converting and digitalsignal pre-processing procedures are specified when the health careexpert subassemblies are attached to the on-board health care centre 17c, they are quasi static parameters.

It is an important requirement to be met by the on-board health carecentre 17 cthat that it should be able to permit the discussed IT,signal forwarding and switching, analogue-digital conversion and digitalsignal pre-processing tasks in a parallel way and with independentprocessings, up to the limit inherent in the design of the system, . Incase a requested task exceeding the above mentioned limit is prescribed,the on-board health care centre 17 c sets up a priority sequence, thengrading, sequencing and performing the above mentioned tasksaccordingly. The regulation on setting up the priority sequence is asystem-dependent quasi-static parameter, whose input takes place when itis integrated into the system.

Under the system programme of the ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, foetusmonitoring expert subassembly 17 c 2 and EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3,various health care diagnostic procedures and protocols can be operated.The signal pre-processing requirement of these units may result inparameter vectors deviating from those of the digital signalpre-processing procedure integrated under the system programme of theon-board health care centre 17 c, which automatically assigns thepre-programmed parameter vector to the health care expert subassemblyand to the active health care diagnostic procedure and diagnosticprotocol running under its system programme.

The on-board health care centre 17 calso performs the health careoriented control of the on-board voice-generator 17 d. The relatedtextual databases are located in the health care diagnostic databasehandled by it After carrying out the health care diagnostics requestedby the user, the health care expert subassembly responsible for therelevant test prepares a report, which includes also the address of thefile determining the textual messages intended for the user. Then, theon-board health care centre 17 c encloses the address of the file in thehealth care diagnostic database assigned to the relevant task and theactual prescription of the task in a report and forwards them to the onboard voice generator 17 d. The on-board voice generator reads in,interprets and carries out the task according to the determiningparameter vector. The textual information appears through theloudspeaker assigned to the user or on the stewardess monitor 17 e or ifnecessary with other persons whom the on-board health-care centre 17 cconsiders to be involved.

If the procedure above relies on the database of the processing unit 17,the procedure takes place as follows. In case the on-board health carecentre 17 c retains the health care diagnostic results of the userdiagnosed by it to be critical on the basis of the report from anyhealth care expert subassembly integrated into its system, it draws upan informative report on the relevant event for the on-board voicegenerator 17 d.

The informative report includes the identifiers of the on-board healthcare centre 17 c, the diagnosed user and diagnosed human organ, thevector value of the critical parameter and the degree of risk level. Onthe basis of the parameter vector featuring in the report read in theon-board voice generator 17 d identifies and assigns the databasesupporting the execution of the task and reads it in. Next, it notifiesthe processing unit 17 and requests the splitting of the audio frequencydata channel of the user assigned to the task After that the processingunit 17 has given its confirmation and the requested audio frequencydata channel has been split, the on-board voice generator 17 d performsits task.

In connection with the active health care diagnostic tests under itsco-ordination, the on-board health care centre 17 c has the followingadditional tasks:

-   -   receiving the instruction parameter vectors which come from the        medical centre 48 and co-ordinate the health care diagnostic        work of the on-board health care centre 17 c and its expert        subassemblies and managing their adaptation for the expert        subassemblies,    -   receiving, the reports edited by the health care expert units        located in the medical centre 48 and of higher diagnostic        priority than the health care diagnostic work of the on-board        health care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies, and        forwarding them to the user and stewardesses, respectively,        through the stewardess monitor 17 e,    -   receiving the reports from the group of physicians on duty at        the medical lab 48 d of the medical centre 48 and forwarding        them to the user and stewardesses, respectively, via the        stewardess monitor 17 e.

The ECG expert subassembly 17 c 1, the foetus monitoring expertsubassembly 17 c 2 and the EEG expert subassembly 17 c 3, in the aspectof computer technology, are prepared for the health care diagnosticmonitoring of several users simultaneously and independently. Theirtasks and the preparation of their work are carried out by the on-boardhealth care centre 17 c and if necessary by the processing unit 17itself.

The task of the on-board voice generator 17 d is the audio frequencyconversion of the textual database data determined by the associatedunits. In the course of its operations, it receives instructions tocarry out a certain given task, which is determined by the finding unit,when it specifies the address of the database and file that store thetextual message sought. Next, the on-board voice generator 17 d producesthe required audio frequency message, and its IT switching for theappropriate user is carried out by the processing unit 17.

The satellite-based navigation receiver 18 has a multifarious task. Onthe one hand, at discrete times it takes the reading of the databasebroadcast by the positioning satellites 6 within its sight. On the basisof the readings, it determines the aircraft's uncompensated 3D spatialco-ordinates. Next, it informs the processing unit 17 in a report on theconstructed spatial co-ordinate data. The report includes theuncompensated co-ordinate data, the identifier code of the satellitessubjected to reading, and the measuring results of the satellitessubjected to reading. The launching of the satellite reading procedureis performed under the co-ordination of the processing unit 17, wherethe starting time is logged.

It is possible to design a satellite-based navigation receiver 18 fittedwith a plurality of satellite-based navigation antennas 18 a, where theIT contact between the linked satellite antennas and the satellite-basednavigation receiver 18 can be of wire or wireless type (even bluetoothsystem). If necessary, the satellite-based navigation receiver 18calculates the required co-ordinate data vectors at discrete times on anongoing basis, by applying simultaneous data processing and antennareading. The data vectors calculated provide an opportunity for theprocessing unit 17 and the regional control unit 35 as well as theregional space-information unit 37 to produce a mathematical model ofthe spatial position of the vehicle, on the basis of the geometricspace-information model, as a stiff body model of the relevant vehicle.

This task may also be resolved by a plurality of satellite-basednavigation receivers operating in parallel and independently, andhandled by the processing unit 17. The major criterion is to take thereading of the different satellite based navigation receivers 18 atidentical times.

The radio transceiver 19 and the satellite radio transceiver 20 a aretwo independent systems operating in parallel. Depending on theirconfiguration, they can be of multinorm type and also telecommunicationradios. In the telecommunication case, in order to support the transportand logistics task, the relevant radio can be optionally prepared forthe technical handling of the bluetooth approach. Their work iscoordinated by the processing unit 17. Their task is to create an ITcontact between the object centre 2, the regional control centre 4,other object centres 2 and in an optional case the databases preparedfor this task and compatible with the traffic control system. Thecommunication route between the radio transceiver 19 and the trafficcontrol system from the direction of the object centre 2 is thefollowing: radio transceiver 19, radio re-transmitter unit 3, IT unit36, regional control unit 35, its units and databases, again the IT unit36 and then finally the control device 32.

The communication route between the satellite radio transceiver 2 a andthe traffic control system from the direction of the object centre 2 isthe following: satellite radio transceiver 20, re-transmitter satellite7 a, stationary satellite transceiver 8, IT unit 36, regional controlunit 35, its units and database, IT unit 36 and finally control device32.

The order of radio communication between the object centre 2 and theregional control unit 35 is the following. With the contribution of theradio transceiver 19 or the satellite radio transceiver 20 a, theprocessing unit 17, or in the case of initiating a response orinformation forwarding, the regional control unit 35, requests a channelfrom the IT unit 36 through an organising channel. The IT unit 36selects a currently available channel, and under the control of theregional control unit 35, instructs the radio transceiver 19 or thesatellite radio transceiver 20 a to tune to the relevant channel. Nowradio communication can be carried out The specific feature of therelevant radio communication is that it is customised, i.e. the relevantinformation channel is opened only between the sender and the receiver.

The radiotechnical satellite-based co-ordinate determination by thesatellite co-ordinate transmitter 20 b represents a less accuratetechnology than the satellite-based approach, therefore it operates asan auxiliary unit.

It is an important circumstance that when the measurement is combinedwith a satellite-based radar approach, the accuracy could reach aquasi-arbitrary fineness, and hence in the given case even a number onepriority satellite-based spotting system can be established. In thiscase the satellite-based navigation receiver 18 will have secondarypriority.

The operation of the transmitter is coordinated by the processing unit17. On the basis of the transmitted data, the network of the spottingsatellites 7 b is able to provide an approximate 2D identification ofthe geographic position of the relevant object Formed into a report, theco-ordinate data and identity code associated with the relevant objectcentre 2 are transmitted by the spotting satellite network, via thestationary satellite-based transceiver network 8, to the regionalcontrol unit 35, where it is further processed.

The communication route of the satellite co-ordinate transmitter 20 b isthe following: satellite co-ordinate transmitter 20 b, spottingsatellite 7 b, where the co-ordinate data sought are determined,stationary satellite transceiver 8, IT unit 36, regional control unit35.

The identity code generator 21 is a specific peripheral, the operationof which is co-ordinated by the processing unit 17. It functions asfollows. The processing unit 17 compiles the content of and prepares thematerial of the actual report posted to the regional control unit 35.Compiling and preparing are nothing else than collecting the reportsreceived from the units, compiling the unit's own report, andcompressing/encrypting according to the optimal distribution strategy,in addition to splitting to partial reports. In the next step, theprocessing unit 17 instructs the identity code generator 21 to signdigitally the relevant partial reports. The partial reports thus signedcan be posted in accordance with the optimal distribution strategy.

The task of the operator unit 23 is to establish communication betweenthe operator and the processing unit 17. It may have the followingsubassemblies: high resolution colour display, keyboard, IT interfacesand drives.

The following tasks can be carried out from the operator unit 23:registration with the traffic control system, displaying a flight clock,specifying the flight plan from the aircraft, different map displayrequests for the traffic control system, and displaying imageinformation for the operator. The image displays can be different mapdisplays, e.g. a navigation map, altitude map, meteorological map, orcurrent dangerous and prohibited air spaces, and furthermore theaircraft's identity code in the navigation map, displaying the optimalglide path, presenting die traffic situation of an arbitrary zone,retrieving general traffic information and displaying the response forthe operator, in addition to providing a visual and audible alarm forgeneral warning and emergency purposes.

The task of the on-board telephone exchange 24 is to integrate theon-board GSM devices into the traffic control system or into theexternal and internal telecommunication network. The devices connectedin this way, being integrated into on-board and off-board IT andtelecommunication networks, can be operated in an unchanged way from theaspect of the user, making their system of services accessible.

It is essential for the operation of the system that when the GSM deviceis connected by wire to the object centre 2, it should automaticallysend its own phone number and identification vector, respectively—i.e.it starts a simulated GSM communication protocol—to the on-boardtelephone exchange 24, and furthermore after being integrated into thetraffic control system, the on-board telephone exchange 24 blocks, as aconfirmation of the integration, the radiofrequency broadcast of the GSMdevice's antenna It is possible to design a modification, in which, whenthe GSM device is connected through a wire, the GSM device independentlyprohibits either electronically or mechanically the radiofrequencybroadcast of its own radioantenna.

It is an important circumstance that, in order to safeguard trafficsecurity, after the GSM device is disconnected on-board, it continuesblocking the radiofrequency broadcast of its own antenna, and then inthe next step, it requests permission from the user to be linked via theantenna to the GSM network. The receiving of the permission and thereconnecting to the GSM network are indicated to the user.

Depending on the configuration, two variants of design are possible. Thecase of the communication executed within the traffic control system isthe following.

After connecting the GSM device, the on-board simulated GSMcommunication is exclusively implemented through a wire-based IT contactbetween the GSM device and the on-board telephone exchange 24.

The GSM device is integrated into the traffic control system in thefollowing way. In the first step, the relevant GSM device is connectedat the installed wire-connection point, which in the case of aircraft ispreferably fitted into the backrest or into the armrest, and thisautomatically launches the simulated GSM communication, i.e. it sendsits own phone number and identification vector, respectively, to theon-board telephone exchange 24. The on-board telephone exchange 24 thendates the receipt of the personal phone number and identification vectorfrom a given port links them with a logical tie to the identifier of therelevant port, and if it is the coordinator, issues a GSM antennablocking command, and then it confirms the connection into the on-boardsystem to the relevant GSM device.

In the second step, under the co-ordination of the processing centre 17,the on-board telephone exchange 24 prepares a report for the regionalcontrol unit 35, said report includes the phone number and theidentification vector of the devices connected and the identity code ofthe relevant object centre 2.

In the third step, the regional control unit 35 stores the system of thelogically linked identity codes and phone numbers in the GSMcommunication database. Next, through the IT unit 36, it informs thecommunication centres 45 linked with the given phone numbers aboutredirecting the relevant phone number to the traffic control system. Thecalls received from the connected communication centres 45 reach therelevant regional control centre 35. And finally, in a customisedmanner, the system of integrated GSM devices is confirmed to therelevant object centres 2.

When a call is initiated from the object centre 2, the device initiatingthe call sends the phone number of the device to be called to theon-board telephone exchange 24, which, with the assistance of theprocessing unit 17, prepares and posts a report to the relevant regionalcontrol unit 35. The report includes the identity code of the relevantaircraft, the phone number of the calling party and the phone number ofthe called party.

The IT unit 36 of the regional control unit 35 establishes the telephonecommunication with the communication centre 45 associated with the taskon the basis of the report received, or in the case of the called devicebeing linked to an object centre 2, with the on-board telephone exchange24 of the relevant object centre 2. The optimal radio retransmitter unit3 and the stationary satellite transceiver 8 for the fulfillment of therelevant task is selected by the regional control unit 35 with theassistance of the control device 32.

When the call is not initiated from the object centre 2, the processtakes place in a similar way but in a reversed logical sequence.

In case the communication is not carried out in the traffic controlsystem, the simulated GSM communication protocol is set up as follows.In the first step, the on-board telephone exchange 24 blocked theradiofrequency broadcast of the relevant GSM device after connection, orthe latter was blocked mechanically. After linking the GSM device, theon-board simulated GSM communication is exclusively implemented throughthe IT contact between the GSM device and the on-board telephoneexchange 24. It is an important circumstance that primarily the wirecommunication is preferred in aviation, but radiotechnology basedcommunication may also be set up using the frequency permitted by theauthority.

The on-board telephone exchange 24 does the following. In the firststep—after the diagnostic test of the IT contact—it dates the receipt ofthe GSM device's own phone number and the identification vector,respectively, from the given port, linking them logically to theidentifier of the given port In the second step, it submits a request tothe communication unit 24 a of the on-board telephone exchange to assignone of the communication channels made suitable for implementing asimulated GSM communication to the relevant task The communication unit24 a of the on-board telephone exchange assigns the relevantcommunication channel, confirms it to the on-board telephone exchange24, and furthermore posts the logical identification code of theassigned channel. In the third step, on the basis of the logicalidentifier code of the assigned channel, the dynamic database of thecommunication channel assigned to this task within the communicationunit 24 a of the on-board telephone exchange is loaded up with thetelephone number and identification vector of the given GSM device. Thecommunication unit 24 a of the on-board telephone exchange carries outthe adaptation of the given communication channel with the new telephonenumber and identification vector, i.e. the integration of the givensimulated channel into the external communication and telecommunicationnetwork, respectively. In the fourth step, with a data processingrunning in parallel with the third step, it logically links theidentifier of the port established in the first step with the identifierof the communication channel appointed for the task in the second step.

On the side of the GSM device, the simulated GSM communication protocolhandles the GSM device as a workstation, no radiocommunication dataprocessing and radiotechnology communication take place in its system,and furthermore the computer technology co-operation of the GSM deviceand the on-board telephone exchange 24 is done by the system programmesof the above mentioned objects. In the given protocol, the datapre-processing units of the GSM device are used, and then at this pointthe data channel is branched to the wire link. In the case of aconventional mode of operation, the data channel passing through theabove mentioned point is guided to the units of the GSM device thatgenerate radio communication.

It is an important circumstance that by the on-board application of thegiven simulated GSM communication protocol, the on-board telephoneexchange 24, in the case of any GSM device fitted to its network, isable to interconnect them on-line in an information technology manner,while using the own phone numbers of the GSM devices.

It is also an important circumstance that when the given simulated GSMcommunicated protocol is adapted in the conventional wire typetelecommunication network, wire communication can be conducted by GSMdevices prepared for this task, and at he same time retaining theservice system of GSM devices.

The task of the communication unit 24 a of the on-board telephoneexchange is to implement satellite telephony and simulated GSMcommunication, respectively, among the on-board GSM devices and theinstalled communication terminals used by the passengers and the crew,and between other communication centres having similar characteristicsand the already installed conventional communication centres. Thetechnical characteristic is that it is suitable even for a multinormsystem satellite telephony and GSM communication implementation, andthat the telephone numbers and identification vectors of thecommunication channels handled by it—and made suitable for simulated GSMcommunication—represent a dynamic database. These parameter vectors areloaded or overwritten by the on-board GSM devices, under co-ordinationfrom the protocol that carries out the simulated GSM communication.

The task of the diagnostic unit 22 a of the vehicle is to control andsupervise the operation and operational quality of the various technicalequipment of the vehicle. The operational principle of the unit isidentical with the operation of the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a It isa special service rendered by the system that in case it detects afault, it instructs the data acquisition unit 22 c to retransmit theprimary database on-line (as discussed for the relevant unit).

In case the diagnostic unit 22 a of the vehicle judges the operation orthe reliability of the operation of any unit or technical unit under itssupervision to be critical, it draws up a notification report about therelevant event for the on-board voice generator 17 dThe notificationreport includes the identifier of the vehicle's diagnostic unit 22 a andthat of the process having revealed the danger, the identifier of thediagnostised subassembly and technical unit, the value of the criticalparameter vector and the degree of risk level.

On the basis of the parameter vector featuring in the report read in,the on-board voice generator 17 didentifies and assigns the databasesupporting the execution of the task and reads it in. Next, it notifiesthe processing unit 17 and requests for itself the splitting of the useraudiofrequency data channel assigned to the relevant task After that theprocessing unit 17 has given its confirmation and the requested audiofrequency data channel has been split, the on-board voice generator 17 dperforms its task.

Through the autopilot coupling unit 22 b, the autopilot of the vehicleco-operates with the traffic control system. This co-operation meansthat the dynamic route plan provided for it by the regional control unit35, the regional space-information unit 37 and the processing unit 17 isfollowed. It is a requirement to be met by the autopilot of the relevantvehicle that it should be able to receive the system of regulationparameters received as a command signal directly for it from theprocessing unit 17 via the autopilot coupling unit 22 b acting as an ITinterface.

The data acquisition unit 22 c is an integral part of the largeraircraft and ships, but its use has not yet become common in small planeaviation. If there is an on-board data recording unit (black box) on therelevant vehicle, its fitting to the traffic control system is carriedout simultaneously with registration In this case it is the task of theobject centre 2 to transfer the data recorded by the black box in theform of reports to the actual regional control unit 35, at discretetimes determined by the processing unit 17. If there is no black box onthe relevant aircraft, the data acquisition unit 22 c of the aircraftserves in the traffic control system for data registration tasks notcarried out by the on-board unit 2.

The data collected by the data acquisition unit 22 c comprise themeasurements made by the conventional instruments, the commands issuedby the operators, the reports communicated by the processing unit 17, bythe on-board health care centre 17 c and by the diagnostic units 22 a,as well as external and internal radio communications. The tasks of thedata acquisition unit 22 c include the creation and short time storingof the primary database of the collected information.

The data acquisition unit 22 c of the aircraft collects the dataintermediated by the peripherals carrying out data acquisition, preparesthe primary database, and carries out the compressing as well as jointshort-term storage of the databases. In a continuous mode of operation,at discrete times, the processing unit 17 issues commands to the dataacquisition unit 22 c for reading out the edited and compressed primarydatabase and transferring it to its own IT output. The processing unit17 forwards the edited and compressed database to the related databaseof the regional control unit 35.

Main Control Centre 12

The main control centre 12 shown in FIG. 5 consists of the followingunits: control device 32, central identity code generator 32 a, ITcentre 32 b, central diagnostic unit 32 c, space-information unit 33,traffic situation monitoring unit 33 a and central database 34. It isnot necessary to implement the main control centre 12 as an independentunit or on a hardware basis.

The units of independent configuration working under the supervision ofthe main control centre 12 can be suitable for sending and receivingasynchronous messages (after sending a message, the relevant object doesnot wait for the response, but carries out further operations), and theycan be capable of handling competitions within the object (be able toreceive reports from a different object while working on processing theprevious one as well).

The units working under the supervision of the main control centre 12are software-hardware systems suitable for parallel data processing. Theoperation of the relevant software-hardware systems can be modelled orreplaced by a software package prepared for the relevant system oftasks. It is possible to design a variation in which the relevant unitsare integrated under the software system of the main control centre 12,via a software package that models and substitutes the task systembelonging to them.

The functions of the main control centre 12 may also be performed by thesoftware and hardware modules implemented on the computer networkconsisting of regional control centres 4.

The task system of the control device 32 is the following:

-   -   Co-ordinating the work of the regional control centres 4 under        its supervision. Breaking down the actual and planned global        traffic tasks to regional traffic zones, and assigning the        regional control centres 4 associated with the relevant tasks.    -   Controlling the handling of traffic control tasks reaching        beyond the area of regional traffic control tasks and taking        place in the border zone of regional traffic zones, based on the        work of the space-information unit 33.    -   Extending the regional optimal IT communication strategy to a        global-level, global optimal IT communication strategy. This        task is carried out on the basis of the reports received from        the regional control centres 4 about the regional optimal IT        communication strategy of the relevant traffic zone. The        resolving process of optimising is the same as the procedure to        be discussed below in relation of planning and implementing the        regional optimal communication strategy.    -   Reconciling the digital clock signal of the regional control        centers 4 in a continuous mode of operation, at discrete times.        (If the GPS detailing procedure preferred by the traffic control        system is applied by all objects integrated into the network,        this step is not required).    -   Assisting the work of the regional control centres 4, and        furthermore in case they break down, replacing the faulty units        on a reduced mode of operation basis, or transferring this work        to the competence of an identical unit within a different        regional control centre 4.

Transferring the actual tasks to the different regional centers 4 andassisting their work mean the following:

-   -   Compensating the satellite-based co-ordinates associated with        the co-ordinates of the vehicles monitored within the traffic        zone of the faulty regional control centre 4, i.e. taking over        the task of the satellite-based navigation compensator unit 4].        This is carried out by the control device 32, based on the        central database 34.    -   The space-information unit 33 takes over and carries out the        dynamic planning and handling of the route of vehicles monitored        in the traffic zone of the faulty regional control centre 4.        This means that the tasks of the regional space-information unit        37 are taken over. To resolve this task, the database relative        to the task are located in the database of the space-information        unit 33 and in the central database 34.    -   The regional diagnostic unit 35 a of the regional control centre        4 appointed by the control device 32 takes over and carries out        the diagnostic testing of the vehicles monitored in the traffic        zone of the faulty regional control centre 4.    -   The regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 of the        regional control centre 4 assigned by the control device 32        takes over and carries out the monitoring of the traffic        situation of vehicles monitored in the traffic zone of the        faulty regional control centre 4.    -   The work of the visual processing centres 5 in the traffic zone        of the faulty regional control centre 4 is taken over and        performed by the photogrammetric unit 39 and the external status        monitoring unit 40 of the regional control centre 4 assigned by        the control device 32.

The assignment of the regional control centres 4 is decided on the basisof personal and forecast workload associated with the relevant system oftasks. The related tasks are calculated and posted by the centraldiagnostic unit 32 c of the relevant regional control centre 4.

The technical diagnostic test of the system of regional control centres4 is carried out by the central diagnostic unit 32 c. The control device32 makes its related decisions on the basis of interpreting thediagnostic reports of the central diagnostic unit 32 c and thediagnostic reports drawn up by the regional diagnostic unit 35 aassociated with the actual regional control centre 4.

It is closely associated with the optimal performing of diagnostics isto extend the regional optimal IT communication strategy to a globallevel, global optimal IT communication strategy. The optimal ITcommunication strategy is handled jointly with the task control and tasksplitting optimisation problem.

It is closely associated with resolving the task redirecting tasksdiscussed above is inform the communication centres 45 fitted to thefaulty regional control centres 4 about redirecting the related ITcommunication. The target IT centres appointed for redirecting will bethe communication centres 45 fitted to the regional control centre 4subjected to redirecting. The relevant notification reports are drawn upby the control device 32.

The central identity code generator 32 a is a specific peripheral, theoperation of which is co-ordinated by the control device 32, whichcompiles the content of and prepares the material of the actual reportIn the next step, upon the instructions of the control device 32, thecentral identity code generator 32 a prepares the digital signature ofthe relevant report The reports so signed can be posted by the IT centre32 b.

The task of the IT centre 32 b is to establish an IT contact between thecontrol device 32 and the related regional control units 35. Accordingto the configuration, the relevant contact can be provided by aterrestrial installation network or by a network comprising theretransmitter satellites 7 a. In a railway implementation, theconfiguration is adjusted to the communication procedure applied there.

The task of the central diagnostic unit 32 c is the diagnosticsupervision of units making up the main control centre 12, and thediagnostic supervision of the regional control centres 4 integrated intothe system of the main control centre 12.

The diagnostic supervision of the units making up the main controlcentre 12 means the supervision of the control device 32, the IT centre32 b, the space-information unit 33, the traffic situation monitoringunit 33 a and the central database 34. The diagnostic tests cover thesystem of programmes and procedures in association with the relevantunit as well as diagnostic testing of the hardware.

In the course of diagnostically supervising the system of the regionalcontrol centres 4, the central diagnostic unit 32 c makes a decision ona proposal about the technical status and functionality of the regionalcontrol centres 4, on the basis of the diagnostic reports sent by theassociated regional diagnostic units 35 a. The main control centre 12makes its decisions on the basis of a proposal related to the relevantdiagnostic results.

The task of the space-information unit 33 is the coordinated globalextension of traffic organisation tasks handled in a regional way withinthe system of the regional control centres 4. In a railwayimplementation, it is adjusted to the techniques applied within thesystem of the object centres 2 and the regional control centres 4.

In the course of a global level dynamic matching process of the flightplan, a dynamic route planning is performed, organised by the relevantregional control centres 4. The regional control centres 4 in thetraffic control system carry out the relevant work in a continuous modeof operation, at discrete times. The task of the space-information unit33 is the global-level dynamic extension of the above mentioned regionaldynamic route planning tasks. As the first step of this process, thecontrol device 32 receives the static traffic plans and the prioritysystem of the registered vehicles from the regional control centres 4fitted to the traffic control system. These plans are redirected to thespace-information unit 33.

In the second step, the space-information unit 33 performs a preliminaryglobal traffic plan matching and coordinating task This task comprisesthe tackling of the following partial tasks:

-   -   A selection process to determine the traffic plans requiring        global planning and the tasks that can be resolved by regional        traffic organisation.    -   Preparing the regional control centre 4 network level plan of        the tasks requiring global traffic planning.    -   Drawing up the preliminary global level traffic plan of the        tasks requiring global traffic planning.    -   Providing customised information to the relevant regional        control centres 4 on the regional route matching and planning        tasks, on the system of traffic plans returned to the centre's        own scope and on the system of global traffic plans involving        the regional scope, and furthermore a request for tackling the        given task.

In the third step, the regional centres 4 carry out the following task:

-   -   They integrate the traffic plans returned to their competence        into the system of relevant regional traffic plans.    -   On the basis of the preliminary traffic plan drawn up by the        space-information unit 33, they integrate the traffic plans        involving their competence into the system of relevant regional        transport plans.    -   They inform the control device 32 on the regional level        acceptance of the global traffic plans involving the        space-information unit 33, on the basis of its own regional        traffic plans, and make a proposal on a regional level        replanning of the global traffic plans and on a global        integration of a new plan. At that time information is given on        the draft traffic plan elaborated by the centre's own regional        space-information unit 37 involving the own regional zone of the        relevant global traffic plan.

In the fourth step, the space-information unit 33

-   -   acknowledges the regional and global traffic plan system        accepted by the regional control centres 4;    -   regarding the system of global traffic plans about which the        related regional control centre 4 has suggested a modification,        performs a traffic plan elaboration again and informs the system        of involved regional control centres 4 about the new preliminary        traffic plan. Now an iteration process is launched, with a        feedback to the third step, thereby providing a central plan        approved by the regional control centres 4.

The space-information unit 33 includes a central space-informationdatabase, which comprises:

-   -   The system of global static route plans and related priorities.    -   A system of regional static route plans and related priorities.    -   A system of global dynamic route plans featuring as a proposal.    -   A system of regional dynamic route plans featuring as a        proposal.    -   A system of dynamic route plans integrated into the traffic        control system in a global way.    -   A system of dynamic route plans integrated into the traffic        control system in a regional way, by the regional control unit        35 responsible for the relevant zone.    -   A global 3D map.    -   The global and regional dangerous and prohibited geographic        zones and their determining parameters.    -   The long-term data line of the co-ordinate data of the vehicles        integrated into the traffic control system in a global and        regional way.    -   The global geographic zone's meteorological map subjected to an        updating oriented loading.    -   The system of standard traffic routes and their parameters        involving the global traffic control zone.    -   The timeline of short-term co-ordinate data of the global        traffic routes supplied by the regional land traffic manager        centre 46, and the mathematical model of the route covered.    -   The system of regional space-information databases of the        regional control centres 4 under its supervision.

The performance of the global traffic safety tasks also is also includedin the responsibility of the space-information unit 33. The regionallevel handling of the traffic control tasks is the task of the regionalcontrol unit 35 in charge of the work of the relevant regional zone. Itis an important circumstance that the traffic zones are not confined bysharp boundaries. There is a double traffic control activity in apredetermined zone along the given border lines, in order to ensure thesafety of performing traffic organisation tasks. After that the relevantvehicle arrives in the border zone, two traffic control systemsoperating in parallel carry out co-ordinated organisation tasks, namelythe regional control centre 4 responsible for the relevant traffic zoneand the main control centre 12.

The co-operation can be divided into two separate system of tasks:

-   -   The planning and matching process of dynamic traffic plans takes        place in an automatic and continuous way in the case of both        systems. For each route associated a global transport task        performing vehicle, the planning and matching process is carried        out in a global way, disregarding the traffic zones.    -   The performance of the traffic safety tasks associated with the        traffic control tasks within the border zone of regional zones        is carried out in the case of all vehicles moving in or        accidentally entering the border zone of regional zones,        regardless of the global or regional level of the traffic plan.        The performing of this task system is co-ordinated by the        traffic situation monitoring unit 33 a, and its work is        supported by the space-information unit 33.

The task of the traffic situation monitoring unit 33 a is theco-ordination of traffic safety tasks associated with the trafficcontrol tasks. In a railway implementation, it is adjusted to thetechniques applied in the system of object centres 2 and regionalcontrol centres 4.

The system of traffic safety tasks includes the automatic execution ofthe global route deviation procedure, the global dangerous altitude andits forecast automatic procedure in the case of aircraft, the automaticestimation of the remaining travelling time until the tuning points, andthe automatic monitoring of global hazardous approaches.

In the case of vehicles participating in global transport, the protocolsystem associated with the relevant task system is executed by the airsituation monitoring unit 33 a during the full period of the traffictask.

In the border zone of regional zones, in the case of vehiclesparticipating in a regional traffic task or entering this border zoneaccidentally, performing the execution of the task system carried out inthe following way:

If a vehicle arrives in a traffic border zone, the traffic situationmonitoring unit 33 a as a second traffic control system co-ordinates andconducts the system of procedures above, in parallel with the regionalcontrol centre 4 carrying out a regional control and in a continuousmode of operation.

If the traffic route deviates from the one dynamically planned to suchdegree that it reaches or violates the boundaries of dynamically plannedtraffic zone, or a vehicle not integrated into the traffic controlsystem is involved, the traffic situation monitoring unit 33 a performsthe task system of the second traffic control system and furthermorewhen the vehicle enters a new traffic zone, it transfers the appropriatetraffic control tasks to the regional control centre 4 responsible forthe relevant zone.

The execution of the procedures related to the tasks listed, isidentical with the execution of the tasks discussed in relation to theregional air situation monitoring unit 38 of the regional control centre4.

The task of the central database 34 is to support the performing of theglobal traffic control tasks. The partial databases of the database areas follows:

-   -   The technical-technological database of the vehicles of which        the traffic control system is aware.    -   The customised actual technical-technological database of the        vehicles registered at least once with the traffic control        system.    -   The technical-technological database of the global IT network of        the traffic control system.    -   The system of the regional databases 35 b of the regional        control centres 4 working under the supervision of the traffic        control system.

Regional Control Centre 4

-   -   The basic task of the regional control centre 4 shown in FIG. 6        is to perform the tasks which regard the control and supervision        of the vehicles and fleets in the relevant regional zone and        require external co-ordination.

The regional control centre 4 includes the regional control unit 35, theregional diagnostic unit 35 a, the regional database 35 b, the eventlogging unit 35 c, the regional identity code generator 35 d, theregional voice generator 35 e, the IT unit 36, the regionalspace-information unit 37, the regional traffic situation monitoringunit 38, the photogrammetric unit 39, the external status monitoringunit 40, the satellite-based navigation compensator unit 41, theoperator unit 42, the 3D virtual studio 42 a, the regional signalimproving unit 10, the regional land traffic manager centre 46, theregional information centre 47, and the medical centre 48.

Units working under the supervision of the regional control unit 35 arepreferably software-hardware systems suitable for parallel dataprocessing. The operation of the relevant software-hardware systems canbe modelled or replaced by a software package prepared for the relevantsystem of tasks. It is possible to design a variation, in which theregional diagnostic unit 35 a and/or the database 35 b and/or the eventlogging unit 35 c and/or the regional identity code generator 35 dand/or the regional voice generator 35 e and/or the IT unit 36 and/orthe regional space-information unit 37 and/or the regional trafficsituation monitoring unit 38 and/or the photogrammetric unit 39 and/orthe external status monitoring unit 40 and/or the satellite-basednavigation compensator unit 41 are integrated under the software systemof the regional control unit 35 via the software package modelling orsubstituting the appropriate task system.

The independently configured units working under the supervision of theregional control unit 35 can be suitable for sending and receivingasynchronous messages (the relevant object does not wait for theresponse after sending a message, but carries out further operations)and they can also be suitable for handling competition within the object(can receive reports from a different object while working on processingthe previous one).

If necessary it is possible to design a variation, where the regionalcontrol centre 4 optionally integrates the full configuration of thevisual processing centre 5. If necessary, the units included in thevisual processing centre 5 can constitute, under the supervision of theregional control unit 35, either independent information processingunits or, according to the integrated design, a software packagemodelling and substituting the work of the given units and integratedinto the software system of the regional control unit 35.

One of the tasks of the regional control unit 35 is to plan andimplement the regional optimal IT communication strategy. In the case ofa GSM-based communication, the relevant task is performed by thecommunication unit 45 and its associated units.

The different units included in the object centre 2 provide differenttypes of information to the processing unit 17 and the regional controlunit 35. The order of IT communication between the processing unit 17and the regional control unit 35 requires an optimal communicationstrategy due to the type, size and priority of the relevant informationand as a result of the IT workload of the traffic control system. Theplanning of the above mentioned communication strategy is the task ofthe regional control unit 3 5, about which the relevant processing units17 are informed in the form of customised reports. These reports areposted by the actual regional control unit 35 in a continuous mode atdiscrete times to the processing unit 17 of the relevant object centre2, said processing unit interprets it as a number one priorityinstruction. It will from now on perform IT communication on this basis.Hence, a customised and optimised IT communication is carried out by thetraffic control system, within the system of the object centres 2.

The regional diagnostic unit 35 a working under the supervision of theregional control unit 35 diagnoses in a continuous mode at discretetimes the IT subsystem of the traffic control system. The regionalcontrol unit 35 optimises in a continuous mode at discrete times the ITcommunication strategy between the object centres 2 under its controland the databases and database operators accessible directly to theobject centres 2 and/or the medical centres 48 and/or the regional landtraffic manager centre 46 and/or the regional information centre 47 anditself. In the course of this process, it takes into consideration thefollowing factors:

-   -   the type, size and priority of the data of the database        transports planned by the regional control unit 35 and in        progress on the IT network,    -   the computer technology and IT resources of the object centres 2        under its control and/or the databases and database operators        and/or the medical centres 48 and/or the regional land traffic        manager centre 46 and/or the regional information centre 47,        about which the report describing the resources are sent by the        processing unit 17 to the regional database 35 b when        registering with the traffic control system and when it changes,        respectively (e.g. infrastructure development, the fact-finding        report of the diagnostic unit controlling the work of the        relevant unit),    -   the momentary and planned traffic situation on the basis of the        database of the regional space-information unit 37,    -   the systems of installed and stationary radio retransmitter        units 3, retransmitter satellites 7 a and stationary        satellite-based transceivers 8, in view of their IT workload, IT        communication forecast and technical-technological data.    -   The time-shifting parameter characterising the IT communication        established between the objects of the traffic control system.        It is an important circumstance that there are regulation and        control tasks between certain objects of the traffic control        system, for example between the regional traffic situation        monitoring unit 38 and the autopilot fitted to the object centre        2. Some of the regulating and control tasks of the traffic        control system can be considered as a time-shifted regulating        network. The performing of the above mentioned regulation and        control tasks is based on the value of the time-shifted        parameter.

From the aspect of the IT network, an optimal communication strategymeans the strategy of a report communication route between a givenobject centre 2 and the actual regional control unit 35, and/or theon-line report communication route between a given object centre 2 andother object centres 2, and/or a report communication route between thedatabases becoming directly accessible to the object centres 2 and thedatabase operators and/or the report communication route between themedical centres 48 and/or the regional land traffic manager centre 46and/or an on-line report communication route between the regionalinformation centre 47.

From the aspect of the regional control centre 4, the discussed strategycomprises first the combined/parallel and/or partial optimalcommunication strategy of the system of radio retransmitter units 3working under the control of the regional control centre 4, the systemof retransmitter satellites 7 a and the system of stationarysatellite-based transceivers 8, second the combined parallel and/orpartial optimal communication strategy of the information technologyresources available to the regional control centre 4 and third,according to the size and type of the files intended to be communicatedby the actors and objects of the traffic control system, the selectionof the compressing procedure and/or compressing rate and its compressingparameter and/or the selection of the applied and coding procedure.

It is possible to design a variation in which in the given strategy thecombined/parallel and/or partial optimal communication strategy of theIT resources available to the radio retransmitter units 3, theretransmitter satellites 7 a and the stationary satellite transceiver 8appear also in the given strategy. Integrating the strategy of the abovementioned systems into the optimal communication strategy of the trafficcontrol system is implemented in the first case through reports sent bythe relevant systems to the regional control unit 35 and to the controldevice 32 (the traffic control system processes and adapts the relevantcommunication strategies), while in the second case joint optimalcommunication strategies are elaborated on the basis of joint work. Theelaboration of the joint optimal distribution strategy from the aspectof the traffic control system is carried out by the regional controlunit 35 and by the control device 32, respectively.

In case the number one priority optimal communication strategy posted bythe regional control unit 35 cannot be applied to the file intended tobe communicated, or there is no traffic control supervision, thediscussed strategy is on the one hand the combined/parallel and/orpartial application optimal communication strategy of the IT resourcesavailable to the object centre 2, i.e. the plan for splitting the workof the radio transceiver 19 and satellite-based radio transceiver 20,and on the other, according to the size and type of the files intendedto be communicated, the selection and adjustment of the compressingprocedure and/or the compressing rate, and die selection of the appliedencoding procedure. In case the number one priority optimalcommunication strategy posted by the regional control unit 35 can beapplied to the file intended to be communicated, the processing unit 17follows this.

From the aspect of a given visual processing centre 5, the discussedstrategy is logically identical with the procedure discussed in the caseof the object centre 2.

On the basis of the test result of the IT contact, the optimalcommunication strategy of the traffic control system includes thesurveying of the parameter of the time shift created in the ITcommunication between the objects in the network. A time shift parameterappears between the sending of the reports and the receiving of theresponse. In the case of certain tasks, e.g. object tracking, diagnosticregulation, and traffic control regulation, the traffic control systemconstitutes a time shifting regulation network. The regional controlunit 35 applies the time-shift parameters during the co-ordination ofregulation tasks, in the mathematical models used.

It is also the task of the regional control unit 35 to keep in touchwith the external IT networks. Via the workstations linked to theexternal IT network, the external user is able to communicate with thetraffic control system. The communication and display tasks between theworkstations and the regional control unit 35 are carried out by a webpage browser compatible with the traffic control system.

The browser to be used must be able to read the digital signatures ofthe traffic control system, be aware of the traffic control system'sdata compression procedures applied for external data and, in the caseof a special user, be prepared for decoding the encrypting proceduresapplied by the traffic control system for an external IT network.

The regional control unit 35 makes arrangements if a request comes fromthe network regarding the visual tracking of a given vehicle. In case atthe time of receiving the request, the relevant vehicle is under visualtracking, and there is no prohibiting instruction, an automatic web pagepresentation is implemented.

If, at the time of receiving the request, the relevant vehicle is notunder visual tracking, in the first step the regional control unit 35examines whether the request received can be met, i.e. on the one handit makes a decision on appointing the visual processing centre 5 whichperforms the visual monitoring of the relevant vehicle, and on the otherit examines the actual capacity in relation to the relevant task of theappointed visual processing centre i. Third, it examines the prioritysystem of visual monitoring tasks carried out currently in the system ofthe appointed visual processing centre 5. In the second step, on thebasis of a fuzzy logic, it makes a decision on performing the prescribedtask. This is carried out on the basis of the actual co-ordinate data inthe database of the regional space-information unit 37 and according tothe technical-technological database in the regional database 35 b ofthe visual processing centre 5. In the third step, in case the trafficand technical-technological conditions of the request are met, itprepares the task, and furthermore in a report it carries out therequesting of the appointed visual processing centre 5 for the relevanttask in a report In the fourth step, the visual processing centre 5appointed to carry out the task posts the digital image databaseassociated with the requested task and formed into a report or anon-line report to the regional control unit 35. In the fifth step, theregional control unit 35 posts the image database in the form of areport or on-line report to the workstation which provided the requestand on the other hand posts it to those units in its system which havebeen identified in the prescription of the task and are associated withthe processing of the given database, and which units will perform theother necessary operations. Such a unit can be the photogrammetric unit39 and the external status monitoring unit 40 as well as the 3D virtualstudio 42 a and the regional information centre 47.

In addition, a request may come from the network to display a givenreport in the associated web page. These reports can cover thefollowing:

-   -   Presenting the vehicles under the control of the traffic control        system on the web page, including the system of traffic plans        integrated into the traffic control system, read out from the        database of the regional space-information unit 37 and posted on        a customised basis, the system of momentary co-ordinates,        co-ordinate timelines and co-ordinate forecasts, as well as the        speed co-ordinate timeline and speed co-ordinate forecasts of        the objects under the control of the traffic control system,        read out from the database of the regional space-information        unit 37 and posted on a customised basis, and the public list of        passengers, read out from the regional database 35 b and posted        on a customised basis.    -   The execution of tasks in association with the 3D aviation and        task-specific traffic maps of an arbitrary geographic zone, and        within this on the one hand the presentation of an arbitrary        geographic zone in 2D and/or 3D manner, and on the other the        presentation of traffic plans in a geographic 2D and/or 3D        manner, read out from the database of the regional        space-information unit 37 and posted on a customised basis.    -   Presenting the system of the dangerous or prohibited air spaces        of an arbitrary geographic zone and/or the system of traffic        junctions in an arbitrary geographic zone, read out from the        database of the regional space-information unit 37 and posted on        a customised basis.    -   Presenting the current traffic of an arbitrary geographic zone        at a given moment, read out from the database of the regional        space-information unit 37 and posted on a customised basis.    -   Presenting the meteorological map and meteorological data of an        arbitrary geographic zone, read out from the database of the        regional space information unit 37 and posted on a customised        basis.    -   Presenting an arbitrary vehicle under the control of and known        to the traffic control system, read out from the regional        database 35 b and posted on a customised basis.

The execution of the tasks discussed in the points above is carried outin the following way:

In the first step, the request received from the workstation in theexternal IT network fitted to the traffic control system and edited bythe web page browser compatible with the system is supplied to theregional control centre 35. In the second step, the regional controlunit 35 instructs the unit responsible for resolving the relevant taskand the operator programme of the related database, respectively, tocompile the result database associated with the given task. In the thirdstep, on the one hand, the given unit and the database operatorprogramme associated with the given database, after performing the taskinforms the regional control unit 35 about the execution of the task,and that the partial database sought is ready, respectively, and on theother hand, posts the latter in the form of a report via thecontribution of the regional control unit 35 to the workstation that hasmade the request.

The request discussed above and concerning the tasks relative tomaintaining contact with the external IT networks and/or to visualtracking, may not only come from the IT networks connected to thetraffic control system, but also from any object centre 2. It is animportant circumstance that the processing unit 17 of the object centres2 is prepared for the on-board take over of the web tasks compatiblewith the traffic control system. The execution of the task received fromthe object centres 2 is identical with the discussion above, but in thiscase the customised reports are received through an IT channel of theobject centre 2.

A new service rendered by the traffic control system according to theinvention is the support of visual monitoring tasks. The co-ordinationof the accomplishment of the task on a regional level is the task of theregional control unit 35, while the preparatory tasks are carried out bythe visual processing centres 5.

Appointing the object centres 2 waiting for visual tracking can bestarted on the basis of two different requests, i.e. on the basis of arequest initiated by the workstations in the IT network connected to thetraffic control system, and on the basis of automatic vehicle appointingcarried out on the basis of the decision made by the regional controlunit 35.

In the first step, the regional control unit 35, in a continuous mode ofoperation and at discrete times, draws up a case study about the systemof object centres 2 subject to monitoring.

In the case study, on the one hand, it compiles the system of the objectcentres 2 which are in the visual monitoring zone modelled by a visualprocessing centre 5, visually detectable through the application of theresources in the given system. On the other hand, it instructs thevisual processing centre 5 selected for performing the visual monitoringtask in the previous point to carry out a digital image sampling. Thesignal pre-processing unit 26 and the visual tracking unit 30 areresponsible for performing the task of sampling. The visual processingunit 25 issues a report to the regional control unit 35 about the imagedisplay quality of the objects associated with the object centres 2 andmodelled as suitable for monitoring.

In the second step, the regional control unit 35, on the basis of theimage display quality report edited in the previous point, selects thesystem of objects that can be visually monitored. In the third step, onthe one hand, it compiles a primary visual display priority sequencefrom the system of objects that can be visually monitored and are infact under monitoring, and on the other hand, it compiles a secondaryvisual display priority sequence on the basis of the reports made by theregional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 and external statusmonitoring unit 40 of the regional control centre 4.

In the fourth step, on the one hand, in a continuous mode and atdiscrete times, and in view of the system of visual processing centres 5it determines the actual appearance priority sequence in a customisedway, according to the primary and secondary display priority sequences.The priority sequence of actual display can also be considered to be theappointing of the object centres 2 waiting for visual tracking. On theother hand, in a report, it requests the visual processing centres 5assigned to the actual display priority sequence to carry out therelevant task, and posts the databases necessary for carrying out thetasks thus prescribed, i.e. it posts on-line the coordinate timeline ofthe selected object and its speed co-ordinate timeline as well as theforecasts of the listed timelines. The visual object tracking task iscarried out by the visual tracking units 30 operating under thecoordination of the given visual processing centres 5.

On the basis of the appointment of the object centres 2 waiting forvisual tracking, the given regional control unit 35 makes a first-leveldecision in the following issues:

-   -   The rate of magnification to be applied to the relevant vehicle        by the visual processing centre 5 assigned to the task. In the        case of a request from the IT network, it takes as a basis the        magnification parameter specified there. In the case of an        automatic assignment, it takes as a basis a magnification        parameter corresponding at least to the following: the type of        visual monitoring tasks and/or the type of vehicle and/or the        actual coordinate and/or actual speed co-ordinate data of the        relevant vehicle and/or the actual meteorological situation        and/or the results of the case study described above.    -   The first-level light/picture imaging spectrum parameter of the        imaging to be applied to the relevant vehicle.

When the request is received from the IT network, it takes as a basisthe imaging frequency parameter specified there. In the case of anautomatic assignment, it takes as a basis an imaging frequency parametercorresponding to the following: the type of visual monitoring taskand/or the type of vehicle and/or the actual co-ordinate and/or actualspeed co-ordinate data of the relevant vehicle and/or the actualmeteorological situation and/or the results of the case study describedabove.

-   -   Appointing the visual detector and identifier units working        under the supervision of the visual processing centre 5        coordinating the execution of the given task, and the appointing        of the visual identifier unit 11 a. This is carried out on the        basis of the regional database 35 b.

The lowest appropriate magnification parameter thus determined and theimaging frequency parameter represent the first-level modelling of thevisual tracking task

If necessary, the regional control unit 35 may instruct the objectcentre 2 to make its co-ordinate reports more frequent By means of theobject centres 2 installed on-board, the vehicles operating under thecontrol of the traffic control system transfer their satellite-basedco-ordinate data for the regional control unit 35 in a continuous mode,at discrete times and in an equidistant manner. However, the frequencyof the reports is not a static parameter, consequently its adjustmentinvolving the actual object centre 2 and carried out on a customisedbasis is the responsibility of the regional control unit 35.

As the first step of adjusting the report-frequency parameter, on acustomised basis and in a continuous mode of operation and at discretetimes, the regional control unit 35 optimises the IT communication orderof the traffic control system In the second step, on a customised basis,it examines the frequency parameter of coordinate reports.

The system of examined traffic situations and the related tasks are thefollowing:

-   -   The relevant vehicle is in a landing or takeoff process or        moving in or out. Now the regional control unit 35 carries out        automatic appointing on the basis of the customised dynamic        traffic plan and the short-term timeline of the actual        co-ordinate data. In the course of this process, it relies on        the database of the regional space-information unit 37.    -   The process is the same if the relevant vehicle carries out a        system task, e.g. system flight in the zone of a geographic        point.    -   Reasons driven by the actual traffic situation may also justify        the modification of the frequency of reports. These reasons can        be the following: dangerous approaches can be forecast and/or        approaching of hazardous or prohibited geographic zone can be        forecast and/or a significant deviation from the dynamically        planned traffic route occurs and/or the aircraft is set to a        landing or takeoff direction and/or satellite-based co-ordinate        support is required for the visual tracking task of the vehicle        and/or a special event other than the cases above is registered        with the external status monitoring unit 40.

In the third step, the priorities of the frequency parameter of theco-ordinate reports of the object centres 2 examined in the second stepare analysed on a customised basis.

In the fourth step, on the basis of the optimal communication strategyedited in the previous points and/or the frequency parameter ofco-ordinate reports and/or the priority sequence of communicating theco-ordinate reports, the object centres 2 are reprogrammed on acustomised basis.

The IT communication between the regional control unit 35, the objectcentre 2, the control device 32 and the IT networks attached to thetraffic control system is carried out in the form of reports (electronicdocuments). The editing and the compilation of the relevant documentpackages is the task of the regional control unit 35.

The preparatory tasks carried out by the regional control unit 35 priorto posting are the following: planning an optimal communication strategyon a customised basis for the object centres 2, applying a datacompression procedure to the relevant electronic documents, applying anencrypting and encoding procedure to the relevant partial electronicdocuments, and family the instructing of the regional identity codegenerator 35 d to generate digital signatures.

It is an important circumstance that the regional control unit 35 maycarry out direct IT connection on an on-line basis between arbitraryobject centres 2, by converting the optimal communication strategy inassociation with the relevant task.

The report of the electronic document attached on a customised basis tothe object centres 2 includes the customised digital signature and thepublic key associated with the regional control unit 35, the name of thecompressing procedure applied to the relevant electronic document andthe extent of compressing the name of the encrypting and encodingprocedure applied to the relevant electronic document, and thecompressed and encrypted document itself. Next, the report associatedwith the electronic document is posted according to the optimalcommunication strategy.

The regional control unit 35 is also responsible for serving the maincontrol centre 12. Within this, the central space-information databaseof the space-information unit 35 associated with the main control centre12 is served in a report like manner. This serving process is carriedout in a continuous mode of operation at discrete times. In addition,the results of the regional traffic monitoring elaborated by theregional control centre 4 in charge of the relevant traffic zone for thevehicles carrying out the global transport task are also forwarded inreports to the main control centre 12 which carries out parallel dataprocessing on them.

The regional control unit 35 also serves the object centres 2 in thefollowing way. The co-ordinate data compensated by the satellite-basednavigation compensator unit 41 and the visual satellite-based navigationcompensator unit 41 a are supplied in a report-like fashion to theobject centre 2 which posts and/or requests the relevant co-ordinatedata. The data are read out from the database of the regionalspace-information unit 37 in an automatic mode. The diagnostic resultsprovided by the regional diagnostic unit 35 a and the associated reportsare forwarded to the object centre 2 which has submitted the diagnosticreport The editing and posting of the associated reports are carried outin an automatic mode. The diagnostic results and/or the imagediagnostics or image data are also forwarded after they are provided bythe external status monitoring unit 40 and the visual processing centre5, respectively. This is done in an automatic mode. Furthermore, theregional control unit caters automatically for adjusting the digitalclocks for the units and objects of the traffic control system,especially the object centres 2, the regional signal improving units 10and the visual processing centres 5, where in the traffic control systema GPS-based time adjustment prevails with a number one priority. Inautomatic mode it forwards the dynamic traffic plan report drawn up on acustomised basis by the regional space-information unit 37 for the givenobject centre 2. The related database operators compile the digital 3Dmap database of the arbitrary zone, the database of the traffic plan,the database of the digital actual meteorological data and digitaltraffic map and the databases associated with the actual trafficsituation and then automatically forward them to the requesting objectcentre 2. The regional control unit 35 furthermore provides access tothe databases of the regional land traffic manager centre 46 integratedinto the traffic control system and/or the regional information centre47 and/or the medical centre 48. In addition, it makes sure that acontact is established between the GSM device fitted to the on-boardtelephone exchange 24 of an object centre 2 and the called telephonenumber, through the communication centre 45 fitted to the trafficcontrol system.

The vehicles operating under the control of the traffic control systemdraw up short-period reports at certain intervals for the network ofrespective spotting satellites 7 b. If the supervision of the trafficcontrol system is interrupted, at the command of the processing unit 17of the object centre 2, a report is posted including the following: thesecondary database produced and compressed by the data acquisition unit22 c, the digital signature of the secondary database, and the publickey of the object centre 2. This report is transmitted in a continuousmode, at discrete times. On the other hand, the object centre 2 sets toa continuous mode the operation of the satellite co-ordinate transmitter20 b.

The report drawn up by the network of spotting satellites 7 b for theregional control unit 35 responsible for the given traffic zone includesthe co-ordinate data constructed by them and the secondary databasefeaturing in the report prepared for it On the basis of the report drawnup for it by the spotting satellite network 7 b, and furthermore on thebasis of the 3D co-ordinate data, supplementing the measuring procedureswith radar measurements as well, the regional control unit 35hasinformation about the co-ordinate data and actual technical status ofthe vehicle associated with the given object centre 2. If, on the basisof the signals of the satellite coordinate signal transmitter 20 b, theregional control unit 35 considers the co-ordinate data calculated bythe network of spotting satellites 7 b in accordance with their accuracyand reliability to be of higher priority than the data calculated andforwarded by the satellite-based navigation receiver 18 of the objectcentre 2, it co-ordinates the traffic monitoring and the associatedtasks on the basis of these data.

The regional control unit 35 organises the updating oriented loading ofthe space-information database of the space-information unit object 17b. After integration of the given object centre 2 into the trafficcontrol system, the regional control unit 35 performs automatically theupdating oriented loading of the relevant database.

The databases subjected to updating oriented loading are the system ofdangerous and prohibited zones, the standby airports or naval portsrequired in the traffic plan, high resolution 3D or other databases, theactual data of landing guidance or lead-in systems associated with thegiven airport or naval port, the database of take-off and landingairports or departure and arrival naval ports, meteorological mapdatabases, and an arbitrary database requested by the given objectcentre 2 and compiled by the regional land traffic manager centre 46 andthe regional information centre 47.

In the first step of the updating oriented loading, a request forlaunching the updating procedure is received from the requesting objectcentre or the procedure is launched automatically after integration intothe traffic control system. In the second step, with the assistance ofthe regional space-information unit 37, the requested database relatedto the route plan integrated into the traffic control system of therequesting object centre 2 and corresponding to the priority of the typeand consignment of the vehicle, as well as matched to thetechnical-technological opportunities of the given object centre 2 iscompiled. In the third step, the updating oriented database compiled bythe regional control unit 35 is posted in a report and on a customisedbasis to the requesting object centre 2.

Automatic map loading and data updating to the object centres 2 arecarried out under the supervision of the regional control unit 35. Anautomatic map downloading process is started in case:

-   -   The dynamic traffic plan of the relevant vehicle is notably        different from the previously submitted static traffic plan. In        this case, it is an automatic task to download the actual data        and the 2D -3D map of the changed landing site and/or        destination naval port, and/or the 2D -3D map and databases of        the bypass traffic junctions.    -   The relevant vehicle, due to a deviation from the dynamic route        plan, approaches a dangerous or prohibited zone. Now it is an        automatic task to download the actual data and 2D -3D map of the        approached dangerous or prohibited zone and/or the 2D -3D map        and databases of the bypass traffic junctions.    -   An emergency arises in the engineering/technical system of the        relevant vehicle.

When an emergency occurs, the procedure is launched by the following:

-   -   the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a in the system of the relevant        object centre 2 or the diagnostic unit 22 a of the vehicle,    -   the regional diagnostic unit 35 a of the regional control centre        4 responsible for the safety of the relevant vehicle,    -   the actual meteorological situation modelled with the        contribution of the regional control unit 35 and the actual        regional space-information unit 37, and    -   the report from the operator of the given object centre 2.

In this case, regarding aircraft and ships, the regional control unit35, assisted by the actual regional space-information unit 37, seeks aprovisional landing site or naval port on the basis of the standard dataof the relevant vehicle and the actual meteorological data, andfurthermore directs the dynamic traffic plan towards the relevantlanding site and naval port, respectively. Now the automatic loadingtask comprises the downloading of the actual data and the 3D map of theassigned landing site and naval port, respectively.

The process of downloading the map is the following. In a continuousmode and at discrete times, the regional space-information unit 37mathematically models the deviation of static and actual dynamic trafficplan. In case the deviation involves the data featuring in the staticplan about the landing site and the destination port, respectively, itautomatically starts the given map downloading and data updatingprocess. Now the database to be modelled is the actual database of thelanding site featuring in the dynamic plan and the actual database ofthe destination port.

The diagnostic test of the IT contact between the object centres 2 andthe regional control unit 35 is carried out also by the processing unit17 and the regional control unit 35. The related diagnostic proceduresare started automatically, and they are run in a continuous mode atdiscrete times. The task of the process is to test diagnostically the ITrelationship between the regional control centre 4 and the objectcentres 2 as well as between the other objects of the traffic controlsystem.

The regional control unit 35 examines the integrity of the reportsreceived from the processing unit 17, the visual processing centre 5,the regional signal improving unit 10, the control device 32, theregional land traffic manager centre 46, the regional information centre47 and the medical centre 48. The reports received from the processingunit 17 are posted with a digital signature. It furthermore examines theIT diagnostics report returned in response by the units listed above tothe electronic documents testing the IT relationship and posted by itpreviously. In this process, the substance of the response report andits return within the time limit are observed.

If, on the basis of the test result, the regional control unit 35 judgesthe IT contact to be unsatisfactory or interrupted, it launches thefollowing procedures:

-   -   attempting, by means of a report message, to set to a maximum        the frequency of the satellite-based co-ordinate reports of the        relevant object centre 2;    -   attempting to instruct the involved object centre 2 in a report        to set the satellite co-ordinate transmitter 20 b to a        continuous mode;    -   informing all involved regional land traffic manager centres 46,        the regional information centre 47, the involved air traffic        control centres and the regional control centre 4. The regional        control centre 4 automatically informs the aircraft within the        given regional control zone about the event, the identity code        of the relevant aircraft, the co-ordinate timeline relying on        the latest data, and/or the speed co-ordinate timeline and/or        the timeline of co-ordinate and speed co-ordinate forecasts and        furthermore about the mathematical model of the dynamically        matched route plan associated with the given object centre 2;    -   informing all users, units and centres fitted to its network        about the appearance of IT contact problems involving them.

The regional control unit 35 performs the processing of the primarydatabase intermediated by the data acquisition unit 22 c of the objectcentres 2. In the course of this process, on the one hand, thediagnostic partial database of the database posted by the dataacquisition unit 22 c is sent to the IT input of the regional diagnosticunit 35 a, and on the other hand, the whole database is redirected forstorage to the regional database 35 b.

The regional control unit 35 is prepared for a reduced mode substitutionof the tasks of the units it includes under its supervision, and alsofor assisting them on a reduced basis. If the relevant unit has anexcessive workload, it requests the regional unit 35 to carry out someof its tasks on a reduced basis. Now the regional control unit 35reports the appearance of the problem to the main control centre 12, andperforms the substitution of the unit in a reduced mode. On the basis ofthe report from the regional diagnostic unit 35 a, the regional controlunit 35 may make a decision also about the non-functionally of therelevant unit In this case it reports the appearance of a problem to themain control centre 12 and performs the substitution of the relevantunit in a reduced mode.

In both cases above, the main control centre 12 makes a decision onwhether to leave the reduced mode substitution to be handled by thegiven regional control unit 35 or to transfer the tasks of the unit tothe joint scope of the identical unit or various units of a differentregional control centre 4 or to integrate the tasks of the unit into thetask system of its own units.

The regional control unit 35 performs the regional level syntactic andsemantic analysis of the instructions identified in the electronicdocuments handled by the regional control centre 4 or in the internal ITcontacts. Regarding the syllabus and logics, the procedure is identicalwith that described for the object centre 2.

The regional diagnostic unit 35 a is a purpose-oriented computer fittedwith its own appropriate size background storage capacity andtarget-oriented peripherals. The unit has two separate groups of tasks.

The first group of tasks is the system of procedures diagnosing theproper systems. The units involved in the diagnostic procedure are thefollowing: the regional control unit 35, the regional database 35 b, theregional identity code generator 35 d, the IT unit 36, the regionalspace-information unit 37, the regional traffic situation monitoringunit 38, the photogrammetric unit 39, the external status monitoringunit 40, the satellite-based navigation compensator unit 41, the 3Dvirtual studio 42 a and the regional signal improving unit 10.

Because of the technical difference of the units to be diagnosed, eachunit subjected to a diagnostic procedure is associated with a separatediagnostic package of procedures and/or diagnostic signal detectors.Under the supervision of the regional control unit 35, the regionaldiagnostic unit 35 a draws up and issues reports in a continuous modeand at discrete times for the control device 32. In the case ofassisting the work of regional control centres 4 and in case they breakdown, the procedure followed by the control device 32 starts on thebasis of the given diagnostic reports. The operation of the diagnosticprocedure is identical with the procedure described in discussing theon-board diagnostic unit 17 a.

It is integral part of the group of tasks to examine and prepare aforecast about the IT workload of the units subjected to a diagnosticprocedure, and furthermore to examine the task resolving workload andits forecast. The control device 32 relies on the results so obtainedwhen programming task-splitting problems within its responsibility.

The other group of tasks comprises the system of procedures thatdiagnose the vehicles and their object centres 2 integrated into thetraffic control system. On the basis of analysing the diagnostic reportsdrawn up for the regional diagnostic unit 35 a by the vehicle diagnosticunits 22 a of the object centres 2 fitted to the traffic control system,the regional diagnostic unit 35 a issues control instructionscorresponding to the units subjected to a diagnostic procedure and tothe type of the relevant vehicle to the on-board diagnostic unit 17 aregarding the selection of a diagnostic procedure to be applied andconcerning the adjustment of the parameters of the diagnostic procedureto be applied.

The operation of the diagnostic process is identical with the processdiscussed for the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a.

If the extent of diagnosed fault reaches a critical value, the regionaldiagnostic unit 35 a instructs the regional traffic situation monitoringunit 38 to select a provisional landing site automatically and to effectautomatic guidance.

If the regional diagnostic unit 35 a judges the operation or theoperational reliability of any unit under its supervision to becritical, it draws up a notification report about the given event forthe regional voice generator 35 e. The notification report includes theidentifier of the active task group and danger detection procedure ofthe regional diagnostic unit 35 a, the identifier of the diagnosedsystem, unit, subassembly and equipment, respectively, the vector valueof the critical parameter and the degree of risk level.

On the basis of the parameter vector featuring in the report read in,the regional voice generator 35 e identifies and assigns the databasethat will support the performing of the task and reads it in. Next, itnotifies the regional control unit 35 and requests the splitting of theaudiofrequency data channel of the user fitted to the processing unit 17of the object centre 2 assigned to the relevant task After that theprocessing unit 17 has given its conformation and the requested audiofrequency data channel has been split, the regional voice generator 35 eperforms its task.

An important part of the regional control centre 4 is the regionaldatabase 35 b, which consists of the following partial databases.

-   -   The technical-technological database of the regional IT network        of the traffic control system, which database includes the        technical-technological data of the network consisting of the        radio retransmitter units 3, the technical-technological data of        the network consisting of the retransmitter satellites 7 a and        the technical-technological data of the network consisting of        the stationary satellite-based transceivers 8.    -   The technical-technological database of the vehicle supporting        the visual monitoring and traffic situation monitoring task,        which database includes the traffic technology and technical        database of the vehicles known to the traffic control system as        well as the traffic technology-visual monitoring 3D database of        the relevant vehicles.    -   The technical-technological database supporting the diagnostic        tasks of the vehicles, which database includes the system of        diagnostic procedures associated with the technical systems of        the vehicles known to the traffic control system, the system of        diagnostic procedures available to the diagnostic units 22 a of        the vehicles under the supervision of the traffic control        system, and the diagnostic history of the vehicles registered        with and being under the supervision of the traffic control        system.    -   The technical-technological database supporting the diagnostic        tasks of the object centre 2 network, which database includes        the system of diagnostic procedures associated with the object        centre 2 and known to the traffic control system, the system of        diagnostic procedures available to the on-board diagnostic units        17 a of the vehicles under the supervision of the traffic        control system, and the diagnostic history of the object centres        2 registered with and working under the supervision of the        traffic control system.    -   The database of technical-technological and geographical        installation parameters of the visual processing centres 5        working under the supervision of the regional control centre 4,        which database includes the system of procedures handled by the        visual processing unit 25, the computer technology capacity of        the units within the system of the visual processing centre 5,        and the technical-technological, regulation and control        technology database of the visual detector and identifier unit        11 and the visual identifier unit 1 la, and their geographical        installation database.    -   The technical-technological traffic and traffic engineering        database of the system of traffic junctions, such as airports        and naval ports, within the monitoring zone of the regional        control centre 4.    -   The type, the consignment, the freight characteristics and the        passenger list of the vehicles using a route that crosses the        relevant traffic zone.    -   The system of primary and secondary databases intermediated by        the data acquisition units 22 c.    -   The substance of the reports sent by the traffic zone signal        improving unit 9 and the regional signal improving unit 10.    -   The system of resources of the object centres 2 working under        the supervision of the regional control centre 4 and located in        the given communication zone, with special regard to the system        of hardware support procedures and to those systems that assist        the various diagnostic activities and the work of the given        object centre 2.    -   The system of partial databases supporting the regional voice        generator 35 e, i.e. the relevant database of the object centres        2, the textual database supporting the work of the regional        diagnostic unit 35 a and the textual database supporting the        tasks of the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38.

If necessary, it is possible to design a variation, in which theregional database 35 b includes the database of the regionalspace-information unit 37 and vice versa, the database of the regionalspace-information unit 37 includes the regional database 35 b.

The event logging unit 35 c is a database that registers the regionallevel chronology of the reports received from different units. Thedatabase is loaded by the regional control unit 35 on the basis of thereports received by it The information stored in the database is thefollowing:

-   -   The system of reports supplied by the data acquisition unit 22 c        from the different object centres 2, the system of diagnostic        reports supplied by the diagnostic unit 22 a and the diagnostic        unit 27 of the vehicle, and the system of tasks accomplished by        the processing unit 17.    -   The system of diagnostic reports supplied by the diagnostic unit        27 from the traffic manager system associated with the regional        control centre 4, and the system of tasks received in the form        of requests from the IT network associated with the traffic        control system.    -   The system of tasks accomplished by the regional control centre        4.    -   The system of tasks accomplished by the visual processing centre        5.

The regional identity code generator 35 d is a specific peripheral, theoperation of which is coordinated by the control device 32, whichcompiles the content of and prepares the material of the report issuedto the regional control unit 35. In the next step, the regional controlunit 35 instructs the regional identity code generator 35 d to sign therelevant report digitally. The reports thus signed can be posted by theIT centre 32 b.

The task of the regional voice generator 35 e is the audiofrequencyconversion of its textual database determined by the associated units.In the course of the its operations, the unit receives instructions froma unit working under the supervision of the regional control unit 35 tocarry out the relevant task The task is determined by the search unit,and it includes the address of the database and file that store thetextual message sought Next, the regional voice generator 35 e producesthe required audio frequency message, and its IT switching for theappropriate user is performed by the IT unit 36 working under thesupervision of the regional control unit 35 and also by the processingunit 17.

The task of the IT unit 36 is to co-ordinate the IT communicationbetween the regional control unit 35 and the units connected to it on anIT basis. Part of the IT communication between the discussed units iscarried out through the communication centre 45.

Through the communication centre 45, the regional control unit 35 is inan IT contact with the following units: the operator unit 42, the 3Dvirtual studio 42 a, the regional signal improving unit 10, the regionalland traffic manager centre 46, the regional information centre 47, themedical centre 48, the visual processing centre 5 and the IT centre 32b, with which IT communication may be established also by integrating anetwork comprising the retransmitter satellites 7 a.

The system of IT networks integrated by means of the IT unit 36 is thefollowing:

-   -   The system of regional IT centres 47 integrated into the traffic        control system.    -   Land fleet management centres compatible with the traffic        control system.    -   Land-based IT communication of the control device 32, if        installed.    -   IT network communicating through the network of stationary        satellite transceivers 8 of the retransmitter satellites 7 a.    -   IT network comprising the radio retransmitter units 3.    -   Land-based IT network comprising the regional signal improving        units 10.    -   Land-based IT network comprising the visual processing centres        5.    -   IT contact between the units comprising the regional control        centre 4.    -   The exchanges of the various telephone networks.

The regional space-information database of the regionalspace-information unit 37 includes the following data.

-   -   The system of the mathematical models of the dynamic traffic        plans of the vehicles registered with the traffic control        system, in the case of an aircraft, the flight plan.    -   The system of the mathematical models of the static traffic        plans of the vehicles registered with the traffic control        system.    -   Regarding the vehicles located in the monitoring zone of the        regional control centre 4, the long-term timeline of co-ordinate        data compensated by the satellite-based navigation compensator        unit 41, the short-term timeline of uncompensated co-ordinate        data and as its attachment, the identity code of the satellites        subjected to reading and the system of measuring results        associated in pairs with the satellites subjected to reading, as        well as the long-term timeline of co-ordinate data transmitted        by the radar unit 43.    -   The 3D spatial position timelines of the vehicles located in the        monitoring zone of the regional control centre 4.    -   The regional 2D -3D aircraft and traffic map.    -   The dangerous and prohibited airspaces and traffic junctions of        the regional geographical zone.    -   The space-information traffic technology database of the system        of traffic junctions, e.g. airports and naval ports within the        monitoring zone of the regional control centre 4.    -   The regional geographical zone's meteorological map updated by        updating oriented loading processes.    -   The system of standard traffic routes and their parameters        involving the given regional traffic zone.    -   The co-ordinate and speed co-ordinate timeline of vehicles        registered by the regional land traffic manager centre 46 and        the mathematical model of routes covered.

In the various transport implementations, this database is compatiblewith that of the space-information unit 17 b of the object centre 2, butit is expanded on a regional level.

The regional space-information unit 37 carries out the space-informationmodelling of the system of routes, and in a railway implementation, onlythe analysis of the time-proportionate nature of the route is performed.The task of the process is the correct and time-proportionatespace-information modelling of the geographic co-ordinate of 2D -3Droute plans received by the regional space-information unit 37, whichhandles the system of time-proportionate route plans mathematicallymodelled with the correct geographic co-ordinates jointly with theupdated map-based databases located in the database of the regionalspace-information unit.

The regional space-information unit 37 participates in the dynamic routeplanning in the following way. Regarding the routes involving the givenregional control centre 4, it makes a proposal to the space-informationunit 33 operating under the supervision of the control device 32,concerning the routes to be handled on a global basis. The givenproposal means an appropriate route plan even for the given regionalcontrol centre 4, which route plan can be integrated into thecommunication zone of the given transport zone.

The process of dynamic route planning corresponds to executing, in acontinuous mode and at discrete times, the procedure discussed inconnection with the regional level matching process of the flight plan.Hence, the system of relevant routes is always dynamically matched andupdated in the traffic control system on the basis of the jointiteration activities of the regional space-information unit 37 and thespace-information unit 33.

If the dynamically planned traffic route of the given vehicle clasheswith the actual meteorological database, the regional space-informationunit 37 instructs the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 toselect automatically a provisional landing site and to ensure automaticguidance. Clashing means that in view of the type of the relevantvehicle, the actual and dynamically planned route involves such ameteorological zone that is considered as a prohibited airspace by thetraffic control system. In case the regional space-information unit 37does not have an opportunity to carry out the dynamic planning of aroute bypassing the relevant area, it launches the above mentionedprocess.

The drawing up of an updating oriented loading report is of extremeimportance from the aspect of improving traffic safety. Each objectcentre 2 automatically receives the loading database after registrationand following the matching of its traffic plan. The automatic loading iscoordinated by the regional control unit 35 and it is carried out by theregional space-information unit 37.

In the first step, the regional control unit 35 receives theregistration report of the relevant vehicle, and then the regionalspace-information unit 37 and the space-information unit 33 perform theintegration of the traffic plan associated with the given vehicle intothe traffic control system.

In the second step, on the basis of the traffic plan associated with thegiven vehicle and integrated into the traffic control system, theregional control unit 35 compiles the database having the followingsubstance.

-   -   The dangerous object system and actual determining parameters of        the zones involved in the traffic plan.    -   The system of limited and prohibited airspaces in the zones        involved in the traffic plan, and its actual determining        parameters.    -   The actual meteorological plans (with the correct geographic        co-ordinates) of the zones involved in the traffic plan.    -   In the case of aircraft and ships, the local traffic systems and        specifics of the standby airports and naval ports.

In the third step, the compiled database is posted on a customised basiswith the assistance of the regional control unit 35 for the objectcentre 2 of the vehicle intending to register with the traffic controlsystem.

By means of the regional space information unit 37 it is also possibleto post the actual traffic situation of an arbitrary traffic zone in areport like manner. In the first step of this process, the procedureassociated with the given task can be launched by an instructionspecified on the platform of the operator unit 23 of an object centre 2,on the basis of a request formulated in an automatic way by theprocessing unit 17 of an object centre 2, or on the basis of a requestreceived from a workstation connected to the traffic control system,respectively. The request is received by the actual regional controlunit 35.

In the second step, the regional control unit 35 instructs the regionalspace-information unit 37 under its supervision to generate on the basisof its database, by means of the operator software of the database, thedatabase of the compensated actual co-ordinate data of the traffic zoneidentified in the task In the third step, the regional control unit 35,on the basis of the database compiled by the regional space-informationunit 37, prepares the relevant report and forwards it to the objecthaving prescribed the task, via the IT unit 36.

Posting the envisaged traffic situation of an arbitrary traffic zone iscarried out in a similar way. In the first step, the process can belaunched by instructions specified on the platform of the operator unit23 of an object centre 2, or on the basis of a request received from aworkstation attached to the traffic control system. The request isreceived by the actual regional control unit 35.

In the second step, the regional control unit 35 instructs the regionalspace-information unit 37 under its supervision to produce, on the basisof its database, the mathematical model of the static traffic plansystem of the traffic zone identified in the task. In the third step,the regional control unit 35, on the basis of the database compiled bythe regional space-information unit 37, draws up the relevant report andforwards it via the IT unit 36 to the object having prescribed the task.

As the first step of the regional level matching of the flight plan, theregional control unit 35 receives the static traffic plans and thesystem of their priorities. These plans are redirected to the regionalspace-information unit 37. In the second step, the plan system isforwarded to the control device 32, which subjects said system of plansto preliminary processing. In the third step, the control device 32informs the regional control unit 35 on the regional route matching andplanning tasks, and on the system of traffic plans returned to theproper competence of the given regional control centre 4, andfurthermore on the system of global traffic plans involving the regionalcompetence.

In the fourth step, the regional space-information unit 37 executes theintegration of the traffic plans returned to its competence into thesystem of given regional traffic plans, and on the basis of thepreliminary traffic plan system drawn up by the space-information unit33 and involving its competence, performs the integration of thetransport plans into the system of given regional transport plans.Thereafter, it informs the control device 32 on the basis of the systemof own regional transport plans and proposes the regional levelacceptance or regional level reorganization of the global traffic plansinvolving it and the global integration of the new plan. Then, itprovides information on the draft traffic plan involving the ownregional zone of the given global traffic plan and set up by its ownregional space-information unit 37.

In the fifth step, the regional space-information unit 37 issues areport to the control device 32 on the tasks carried out Afterwards itco-operates again with the space-information unit 33 on the regional andglobal integration process of the given plan system. At the end of theiteration process discussed in association with the control device 32, atraffic plan system, integrated into the traffic control system isgenerated.

The regional space-information unit 37 informs the space-informationunit 33 in a continuous mode and at discrete times on the system ofactual data in its own regional traffic zone. The frequency of loadingthe various data, i.e. the frequency of drawing up a report iscoordinated by the control device 32. The co-ordination is carried outon the basis of the reports drawn up for the regional control unit 35 bythe control device 32.

Optionally, the 3D spatial situation timeline of the vehicles subjectedto a monitoring test is produced by the regional space information unit37. For carrying out the relevant task, the traffic control system usesa plurality satellite-based navigation receivers 18 and a plurality ofsatellite-based navigation antennas on the vehicle. The fulfillment ofthe task on a regional level is logically identical with the proceduredescribed for the space-information unit 17 b of the object centre 2.The 3D spatial situation timelines of the vehicles subjected to amonitoring test are stored on a regional level in the database of theregional space-information unit 37.

The task of the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 is toco-ordinate the traffic safety tasks of the vehicles under thesupervision of the traffic control system in the regional traffic zone.This is ensured by a system of procedures conducted in a continuous modeand at discrete times.

The procedures are carried out in a similar way by the object centres 2within their own competence, but in the case of aircraft under thesupervision of traffic control, a parallel execution of task supervisedby the regional control unit 35 represents a calculation of higherpriority.

The fulfillment of the tasks is supported by the following databases andunits: the regional database 35 b, the database of the regionalspace-information unit 37, and—supporting the fulfillment of the tasksof the automatic selection of a provisional landing site and automaticguidance, a diagnostic report relative to the given vehicle and drawn upby the regional diagnostic unit 35 a, a monitoring report applying tothe given vehicle and drawn up by the external status monitoring unit40, and additionally, the database of the regional space-informationunit.

In the first step of the preparation process, the regional trafficsituation monitoring unit 38 reads the coordinate database relating tothe vehicles into the database of the regional space-information unit.In the second step, from the requested database, for the object centres2 on a customised basis, the long-term 3D co-ordinate timeline forecastof the vehicle associated with the given object centre 2 and thelong-term 3D speed co-ordinate timeline forecast are produced. In thethird step, the procedures described below and carried out by theregional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 are launched.

In a process relating to route deviations, not used in a railwayimplementation, as the first step, the regional traffic situationmonitoring unit 38 requests the regional space-information unit 37 to dothe following:

-   -   Determine, on a customised basis, the distance between the        actual co-ordinate data associated with the given object centre        2 and the associated dynamic traffic route plan at a given        moment of time.    -   Determine, on a customised basis, the distance between the        long-term 3D co-ordinate and speed co-ordinate timeline forecast        associated with the given object centre 2 and the associated        dynamic traffic route plan at a given time-proportionate moment        of time.    -   Report those above to the regional traffic situation monitoring        unit 38.

In the second step, on the basis of the results obtained:

-   -   Inform and alarm the relevant object centre 2 on the result of a        forecast about approaching the given dangerous or prohibited        geographic zones.    -   In the case of danger, it alarms the regional space-information        unit 37 to minimise the deviation, i.e. to carry out immediately        the dynamic route planning task. The task is performed in        accordance with the technical-    -   technological characteristics of the related vehicle. In this        case the system does not wait till the starting time of the next        actual route planning process. It is an important circumstance        that the regional control unit 35 coordinating the task can        instruct directly the autopilot to follow a dynamic route that        prevents dangerous deviations from the route. In case the degree        of deviation from the route reaches a critical value, the        procedure launches the automatic selection of a provisional        landing site and automatic guidance.    -   In case the results edited in the first step reach a critical        level, it draws up a notification report about the event to the        object centre 2 and the regional voice generator 35 e. The        notification report includes the identifier of the danger        detection procedure, the value of the given parameter and the        degree of risk level. The object centre 2 displays the substance        of the notification report on the graphic platform of the        operator unit 23. If it is unable to support the relevant event        with an appropriate audio frequency, the processing unit 17 and        the IT unit 36 provide a free joint IT channel between the        addressed user and the regional voice generator 35 e, which—on        the basis of the parameter vector featuring in the report read        in—identifies and assigns the database that supports the        execution of the task and reads it in.

In the first step of an automatic procedure to be carried out in thecase of approaching a dangerous or prohibited geographic zone, theregional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 requests the regionalspace-information unit 37 to do the following:

-   -   Determine, on a customised basis, the distance to dangerous or        prohibited geographic zones located in the zone of the actual        co-ordinate data associated with the given object centre 2.    -   Determine the distance to the dangerous and prohibited        geographic zones located in the zone of the long-term 3D        co-ordinate timeline forecast data associated with the given        object centre 2.

In the second step, on the basis of the results:

-   -   It informs and alarms the given object centre 2 about the result        of the forecasts for the approaches to the given dangerous or        prohibited geographical zones.    -   In the case of danger, it alarms the regional space-information        unit 37 to carry out immediately the dynamic route planning        task. The task is performed according to the technical specifics        of the related vehicle. In this case the system does not wait        till the launching time of the next actual route's planning        process. The actual object centre 2 is informed on the results.    -   If necessary, the regional voice generator 35 e is started up in        a way already discussed.

In the course of the process relative to the automatic estimation of theremaining travelling time until the turning points, in the railwayimplementation of which the turning point is the railway junction orswitch, in the first step the regional traffic situation monitoring unit38 requests the regional space-information unit 37 to carry out, on acustomised basis, the estimation of remaining travelling time until thenext turning point in the associated dynamic traffic route plan isreached according to the actual co-ordinate data associated with thegiven object centre 2.

In the second step, on the basis of the results, it informs the objectcentre 2 on the result of the forecasts for the remaining time forecastuntil the turning point and, in the case of danger, it alarms theregional space-information unit 37 to carry out the dynamic routeplanning task immediately. In this case the system does not wait tillthe starting time of the next actual route planning process. Inaddition, if necessary, it starts up the regional voice generator 35 ein a way already discussed.

In the course of a process relative to the automatic control of thelanding and takeoff direction or, in the case of ships, the incomingdirection, which is not used in railway implementation, in the firststep, the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38 requests theregional space-information unit 37 to do the following:

-   -   Prepare, on a customised basis, the space-information        mathematical standard model of the relevant vehicle related to        the given task, on the basis of the actual dynamic transport        route plan valid up to the gate of the traffic junction, of the        actual technical-technological database supporting the        monitoring task of the traffic situation for the vehicle, of the        space-information traffic technology database of the destination        and departure traffic junctions and of the actual meteorological        situation.    -   Execute the dynamic route planning task by making use of the        space-information mathematical standard model the actual        meteorological situation, the actual co-ordinate and speed        co-ordinate and/or the co-ordinate and speed co-ordinate        forecasts, and the actual technical-technological database        regarding the vehicle and supporting the traffic situation        monitoring task.

In the given case, the task of dynamic route planning represents thetracking task of the edited (plotted) space-information mathematicalstandard model.

In the second step, the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38,on the basis of the results, informs the given object centre 2 aboutreaching the incoming or outgoing point, and about the edited (plotted)space-information mathematical standard model. In addition, it providescontinuous information about the draft route dynamically plotted by it,and if necessary, it starts up the regional voice generator 35 e in away already discussed. It is able to handle this task also on the basisof the proper resources of the object centre 2. In this case, however,there is no dynamic traffic route planning, but traffic control iscarried out on the basis of a standard space information mathematicalmodel.

The regional control unit 35 is able to carry out the automaticmonitoring of dangerous approaches only for the vehicles under thesupervision of the traffic control system. If there is no trafficcontrol supervision, the object centres 2 of the relevant vehicles enterautomatic on-line communication. The IT network so established betweenthe object centres 2 ensures the execution of the tasks arising. In thefirst step, the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38, on thebasis of the long-term 3D co-ordinate timeline forecasts and long-term3D speed coordinate timeline forecasts involving the relevant regionaltraffic zone, models the momentary distance between vehicles in thegiven regional zone, and the long-term and short-term forecasts for therelative distances.

In the second step, on the basis of the data from the first step andaccording to the preparation procedure of the regional traffic situationmonitoring unit 38, the procedures of the regional traffic situationmonitoring unit 38 relative to route deviations, approaching dangerousor prohibited zones and dangerous altitude are initiated.

In the third step, on the basis of the results, the regional trafficsituation monitoring unit 38 informs and alarms, respectively, theinvolved object centres 2 about dangerous approaches and about theresult of their forecast, and furthermore in the case of a dangerousapproach or its forecast, it alarms the regional space-information unit37 to carry out a dynamic route planning process. It is an importantcircumstance that the regional control unit 35 co-ordinating the taskcan instruct the autopilot directly to follow a dynamic route whichavoids a dangerous approach If the degrees of dangerous approaches forcertain vehicles reach the critical value, concerning the relevantvehicles, the process for the automatic selection of a provisionallanding site and automatic guidance is launched. Furthermore, the actualobject centre 2 is informed on the results. In addition, if necessary,the regional voice generator 35 e is started up in the way alreadydiscussed.

Of course, if in the given zone only the vehicles under the supervisionof the traffic control system and performing its co-ordinatinginstructions are present, dangerous approaches are impossible to arise.The avoiding of dangerous approaches is ensured by a continuous anddynamic traffic route planning. In executing this task, the long-termtimeline of co-ordinate data supplied by the radar unit 43 and stored inthe database of the regional space information unit 37 is taken intoconsideration regarding the vehicles not necessarily integrated into thetraffic control system.

In the first step of the automatic process relative to a dangerousaltitude and its forecast, the regional traffic situation monitoringunit 38 requests the regional space information unit 37 to determine, ona customised basis, the distance between the actual co-ordinate dataassociated with the given object centre 2 and its normal projection ontothe 3D map, and to determine, on a customised basis, the distancebetween the long-term 3D coordinate timeline forecast data associatedwith the given object centre 2 and its normal projection onto the 3Dmap.

In the second step, the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38,on the basis of the results, informs or alarms, the given object centre2 about the result of the dangerous altitude forecast and furthermore,in the case of danger, it alarms the regional space-information unit 37to carry out the dynamic route planning task immediately. This task iscarried out in accordance with the technical and technological specificsof the related vehicle. In this case the system does not wait till thestarting time of the next actual route planning process.

If the dangerous altitude or its forecast reaches the critical value,the procedure starts up the process relative to the automatic selectionof a provisional landing site and automatic guidance. Furthermore itprovides information about the results for the actual object centre 2and if necessary, it starts up the regional voice generator 35 e in theway already discussed.

The starting of executing the process relative to the automaticselection of a provisional landing site and automatic guidance can becarried out automatically on the basis of instructions from the regionaldiagnostic unit 35 a, instructions from the external status monitoringunit 40, instructions from the regional space-information unit 37,instructions from the process relative to route deviations, instructionsfrom the process of automatic monitoring of dangerous approaches andinstructions from the automatic process relative to dangerous altitudeand its forecast. The execution of the process can be startedfurthermore on the basis of the on-board operator's request on theplatform of the operator unit 23 of the object centre 2.

In the first step of the process, a request made in a way describedabove is received by the regional traffic situation monitoring unit 38of the actual regional control centre 4, to start the execution of thetask.

In the second step, the regional space-information unit 37 plans andselects the possible landing areas, assigning priority categories tothem, on the basis of the database of the regional space-informationunit, the regional database 35 b, the actual soil quality and surfacerelief data received from the regional information centre 47 as well asin accordance with the results of the preparation process. The areahaving the highest priority category is selected for continuing thetask.

In the third step, relative to the area selected in the previous point,it conducts the procedure relative to the automatic control of landingand takeoff direction, and, in the case of ships, of incoming direction.If necessary, it starts up the regional voice generator 35 e in the wayalready discussed.

It is an important circumstance that the regional control unit 35co-ordinating the task can instruct the autopilot directly to carry outthe relevant task immediately.

The photogrammetric unit 39, which is not necessarily part of thesystem, carries out the visual detection of the vehicles not integratedinto the traffic control system, and the estimation of the 3Dco-ordinates of the vehicles in the visual detection zone of the givenvisual processing centre 5. The fulfillment of the task of the 3Dco-ordinate estimation procedure is based on a co-operation between thephotogrammetric unit 39 and the 3D virtual studio 42 a.

The fulfillment of the task is supported by the database stored in theregional database 35 b, concerning the technical-technological andgeographical installation data of the visual detector and identifierunit 11 and the visual identifier unit 11 a. It is possible to installthe visual processing centre in a mobile version, the visual zone ofwhich is not necessarily supported by radar control. In this case thephotogrammetric service supplements the 3D coordinate determination ofthe visually detectable vehicles.

In the first step of the operation of the photogrammetric unit 39, theregional control unit 35 reads the digital images representing theresult of visual discrete image samplings provided by the visualdetector and identifier units 11 into the 3D virtual studio 42 a. In the3D virtual studio 42 a, the operator carries out the image marking,thereby establishing a photogrammetric database.

In the second step, the regional control unit 35 reads thephotogrammetric database provided by the 3D virtual studio 42 a into theIT input of the photogrammetric unit 39, as well as the names of thevisual detector and identifier units 11 having supplied thephotogrammetric digital image databases.

In the third step, from the regional database 35 b, the photogrammetricunit 39 reads in the technical-technological and geographic installationdatabase of the visual detector and identifier units 11 having suppliedthe image databases.

In the fourth step, the photogrammetric unit 39 performs thephotogrammetric calculations. As a result of the calculations, thecalculated 3D coordinate data of the relevant vehicle from thegeographical installation base-points of the visual detector andidentifier units 11 that have supplied the image databases are obtained.

In the fifth step, the photogrammetric unit 39 forwards the calculatedresults to the regional control unit 35, which forwards it to theoperator unit 42 for graphic display, to the workstations requiring theparameters, and furthermore to the regional space-information unit 37and the space-information unit 33, which integrate the coordinate dataof the given vehicle into the dynamic database of the real trafficsituation.

From the aspect of technical design, it is preferable to set up thespace-information unit 33 and the 3D virtual studio 42 a in a combinedconfiguration.

The external status monitoring unit 40 is not necessarily part of thetraffic control system. The task of the unit is to examine the visuallyobservable technical-technological status of the vehicle under thesupervision of the traffic control system and in the visual monitoringzone of the visual processing centre 5, and to carry out visual objectidentification.

Starting the process relative to the examining of the visuallyobservable technical-technological status can be done in two ways. Onthe one hand, in an automatic way on the basis of the discussion ofvisual tracking, in view of the priority sequence featuring there, andon the other, in a manual way, on the basis of a request received from aworkstation operating in an IT network connected to the traffic controlsystem. The workstation may also be the operator unit of the unitsincluded in the traffic control system.

The regional control unit 35 has the above mentioned process relative tothe assigning of the object centres 2 waiting for visual trackingautomatically carried out. In the first step featuring there, thevehicles that can be visually monitored become selected. On the basis ofthe given decision, if in the process the priority level of the givenvehicle is appropriate and if there is available computer technologycapacity for executing the given task, the following process is carriedout automatically.

In the first step, on the basis of the discussion above, the givenvehicle for the visual monitoring task is assigned.

In the second step, the procedure discussed in relation to thefirst-level modelling of the visual tracking task takes placeautomatically.

In the third step, the digital video information provided by the visualprocessing centre 5 and selected automatically in the previousprocedures in relation to executing the given task is forwarded forfurther processing to the external status monitoring unit 40.

In the fourth step, the external status monitoring unit 40 does thefollowing:

-   -   On a space-information basis (3D or 2D ), it models and produces        the optimal visual external status 3D (2D ) database of the        given vehicle relative to the given traffic situation, on the        basis of the regional database 35 b, the long-term timeline of        compensated co-ordinate data reading from the database of the        regional space-information unit 37, and the geographic        co-ordinate data of the installation of the visual detector and        identifier unit 11 or the visual identifier unit 11 a supporting        the given task and the dynamic traffic plan associated with the        given vehicle. This is done by 3D modelling, then forwarding the        given 3D model to the 3D virtual studio 42 a.    -   As a safety function, simultaneously with the other parts of the        procedure, it runs the visual object identification procedure.        In case the identified type of the given vehicle and the type in        the traffic plan are found to be identical, it accepts the        result of the following procedure points.    -   It examines the distance between the 3D, or 2D visual diagnostic        sampling database provided by the visual detector and identifier        unit 11 or the visual identifier unit 11 a, and the 3D, 2D image        database of the optimal visual external status constructed as        above. This is carried out through a 3D and 2D shape detection        procedure.    -   It compiles the following reports: on the basis of the given        distance it issues a report to the regional control unit 35 and        transmits on-line the visual diagnostic sampling database to the        3D virtual studio 42 a. Now the operator can examine 3D images        directly.

If the extent of the visually diagnostised defect reaches a criticalvalue, the external status monitoring unit 40 instructs the regionaltraffic situation monitoring unit 38 to select automatically aprovisional landing site and to carry out an automatic guidance process.

Finally, the regional control unit 35 informs the given vehicle and thetraffic manager centres in the given traffic zone in a report about thegiven visual monitoring results.

Starting the visual object detection process can be carried out in twoways.

The process is launched automatically if in the zone of a visualprocessing centre 5 the radar unit 43 linked through the radar interfaceunit 29 detects a vehicle not integrated in the traffic control system.In this case the regional control unit 35 starts the examination of thevisually observable technical-technological status. The procedure ofvisual object identification is an integral part of the process, henceit starts automatically. It considers the co-ordinates supplied by theradar unit 43 as the co-ordinate data of the given vehicle. Theseco-ordinates are in the database of the space-information unit 37.

The process is started manually on the basis of a request received froma workstation operating in an IT network integrated into the trafficcontrol system. This workstation can be an operator unit of the unitsincluded in the traffic control system. In this case, the regionalcontrol unit 35 launches the automatic procedure discussed above.

In the course of the unit's operations, in the first step, the procedurerelative to the examining of the visually observabletechnical-technological status carries out the primary modelling of thevisual examination of the given vehicle.

In the second step, the visual diagnostic sampling database provided bythe visual detector and identifier unit 11 is compared on the basis of apre-determined detection strategy with the visual monitoring 3D databaserelative to the vehicles and located in the regional database 35 b. Itaccepts the mathematical model of the highest probability vehicle as asolution of the given task.

In the third step, it sends reports to the regional control unit 35 andfurthermore transfers the visual diagnostic sampling database to the 3Dvirtual studio 42 a.

The task of the satellite-based navigation compensator unit 41 is tocompensate the satellite-based coordinate data transferred by the objectcentres 2, which are integrated into the traffic control system andlocated in the given traffic zone.

In the first step of the compensating procedure, it instructs theregional space-information unit 37 to read in the last read and not yetcompensated co-ordinate data located in its database and the associatedparameters. In the second step, it instructs the regional database 35 bto read in the compensation process associated data of the satellitessubjected to reading by the traffic zone signal improving unit 9 and thenetwork of regional signal improving units 10. The database operatorprogramme considers the basic sampling time of data as the measuringtime of the not yet compensated co-ordinate data. In the third step, itcarries out the compensating of the coordinates in question, forwardingthem to the database of the regional space-information unit 37.

The regional control unit 35 posts the compensated co-ordinate data tothe object centre 2 which has requested the performing of the task

A further task of the satellite-based navigation compensator unit 41 isto generate a uniform GPS time on the level of the regional controlcentre 4. This has been discussed in reference to the object centre 2.

The task of the operator unit 42 is to display the traffic processestaking place in the traffic system of the regional control centre 4 andin the traffic zone under its supervision, to the operator personnel. Inthe case of an automatic regional control centre 4, it is not necessaryto set this up. From the operator unit 42, each procedure can beinitiated manually and can be tracked from there.

The 3D virtual studio 42 a is part of the operator unit 42. Its task isthe 3D displaying of the intermediated 3D digital image information onthe basis of the digital image information provided by the visualdetector and identifier units 11 of the visual processing centres 5, aswell as the supporting of the photogrammetric unit 39.

The 3D virtual studio 42 a includes a stereo image monitor or stereogoggles, a mono image providing monitor and a 3D mouse. For performingthe tasks of the 3D virtual studio 42 a, in the first step the regionalcontrol unit 35 reads the digital images supplied by the visual detectorand identifier units 11 into the 3D virtual studio 42 a. In the secondstep, the operator of the 3D virtual studio 42 a, on the basis of visualdiscrete image sampling missions, by means of the 3D mouse, performs the3D assigning of an arbitrary point on the platform of the actualvehicle. The relevant assigning operation can also be carried out bymeans of automatic assigning. In the third step, the photogrammetricdatabase plotted on the basis of the assignment is forwarded to thephotogrammetric unit 39.

The regional signal improving units 10 constitute a network covering theregional traffic zone. Their task is to take the reading of thepositioning satellites 6 covered by them, and to forward the data asreports in a continuous mode and at discrete times through thecommunication centre 45 to the regional control centre 4 responsible forthe relevant traffic zone. In the regional control centre 4, on thebasis of the signals of the regional signal improving units 10, thesatellite-based position determination data can be made more accurate byprior art methods. An important part of the regional signal improvingunit 10 is the identity code generator connected to the unit, whichgenerator supplies each report prepared by the unit with the digitalsignature of the given unit, as well as a digital clock.

The report comprises the names of the satellites subjected to reading,the information provided by the satellites subjected to reading, thetime of reading, the digital signature of the electronic document andthe public key of the regional signal improving unit 10. The substanceof the report is stored in the regional database 35 b. The operation ofthe digital clock is carried out by the regional centre 4 responsiblefor the given area The regional land traffic manager centre 46 is acentre operating on its own and is integrated into the traffic controlsystem, which is aware of the actual geographical co-ordinate data andtraffic plan of the vehicles handled by it, the consignment and thecharacteristics thereof, as well as of the passenger list.

In a continuous mode, at discrete times, through the communicationcentre 45, the regional land traffic manager centre 46 redirects theactual co-ordinate data of the vehicles subjected to monitoring to theregional control centre 4 responsible for the given zone and through itto the main control centre 12. On the basis of the data, the regionalcontrol centre 4 and the main control centre 12 perform calculationsregarding those parameters of the relevant vehicles that are under theirtraffic control supervision.

The regional information centre 47 connects different IT networks intothe traffic control system. These are, for example:

-   -   other control systems, databases and information centre        interface nodes of airports and naval ports, through which        centres the traffic control system has an overall view of the        envisaged and real traffic of the objects;    -   a data channel of the air and land fleet directed to        transporters;    -   meteorological information and database centres.

The task of the stewardess monitor 17 e shown in FIG. 7 is to determinethe user's health care diagnostic test by the stewardess or by the useritself. The units of the stewardess monitor 17 e work as follows.

The central unit 17 e 1 is responsible for coordinating the work of thesubassemblies and furthermore for their IT connection to the on-boardhealth care centre 17 c. Preferably, the operational system supports thedetermination of the health care diagnostic tasks being feasible on it,with a graphic platform and a menu system. By the IT interface, theon-board health care centre 17 c and the stewardess monitor 17 econstitute a computer network, in which the stewardess monitor 17 e ispreferably featured as a %workstation having its own operational system.However, such a system can also be designed in which the stewardessmonitor 17 e is a terminal without its own operational system. Itselectric and IT supply is provided in a parallel mode by the powersupply and IT interface 17 e 3.

The stewardess monitor 17 e includes the operator unit 17 e 2 consistingof the monitor subassembly and the keyboard subassembly.

Integrated into and fitted in the stewardess monitor 17 e is the powersupply and IT interface 17 e 3, which has a battery section ofpreferably removable design. The charging of this battery section iscarried out through a separate adapter.

The stewardess monitor 17 e includes an optional radio subassembly 17 e4, the task of which is to ensure the wireless communication of theon-board health care centre 17 c directly or through the processing unit17. The type of communication provided by it is identical with thestandard bluetooth technology, or with any other standard wireless localcommunication network solution Its work is co-ordinated by the centralunit 17 e 1.

The stewardess monitor 17 e can be of mobile design, for example a GSMdevice size target-oriented computer with its own graphic platform andtask-oriented system programme. Furthermore, the stewardess monitor 17 emay be fitted into the user's seat.

The medical centre 48 shown in FIG. 8 includes the central unit 48 a,the IT unit 48 b, the system of health care expert units 48 c, themedical lab 48 d, the identity code generator 48 e and the health caredatabase 48 f.

The task system of the medical centre 48 is the following:

-   -   Loading the health care database 48 f.    -   Performing the health care diagnostic test of the health care        diagnostic measuring results received on-line and located in the        health care database 48 f, which diagnostic test has a higher        priority than the examinations carried out by the on-board        health care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies.    -   Co-ordinating the health care diagnostic work of the on-board        health care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies on the        basis of the results of the health care diagnostic models.    -   On-line posting of the health care diagnostic instructions and        advice of physicians and technicians working in the medical lab        48 d, to the user in trouble and to the involved stewardesses,        respectively.

The IT unit 48 b is responsible for establishing the IT contactsassigned to the task and for posting the reports. The object centre 2posts on-line the measuring result database measured and produced by theon-board health-care centre 17 c integrated into its system, to themedical centre 48, as well as the health care diagnostic resultsgenerated by the on-board health care centre 17 c and its expertsubassemblies.

The medical centre 48 performs the regional level storage of the healthcare diagnostic measuring results and forecasts provided by the on-boardhealth care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies integrated into itssystem, in the health care database 48f. The loading process takes placeautomatically, and its process is coordinated by the system programme ofthe central unit 48 a.

On the basis of the health care diagnostic results mentioned above, thehealth care diagnostic systems located in the medical centre 48 andcapable of higher level health care diagnostic tests than the on-boardhealth care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies can perform otherhigher level health care diagnostic tests. The relevant tests can becarried out by the technicians and physicians at the medical centre 48.

On the basis of the test results, the following activities can takeplace:

-   -   In an automatic way, in the form of reports, the medical centre        48 can co-ordinate the health care diagnostic work of the        on-board health care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies.    -   The doctors in the medical centre 48 can provide verbal        information and assistance to the user in trouble, to the        stewardess and to the crew.    -   They can provide information to other health care institutions        compelled to receive the user in trouble, about the momentary        health data of the user.

The system of the health care expert units 48 c consists ofsubassemblies in harmony with the health care diagnostic tests carriedout at the medical centre 48. The subassemblies carry out their work onthe basis of the health care diagnostic measuring results located in thehealth care database 48 f and received on line, thereby supporting thework of physicians an technicians working in the medical lab 48 d. Theon-board health care centre 17 c determining the task and posting thedatabases subjects the given static and dynamic databases before postingto signal preprocessing, through digitalised and expert units. This iscoordinated by the system programme of the central unit 48 a, and iscarried out by the system of health care expert units 48 c. Theoptimising of the IT flow of associated databases waiting for the testsis carried out by the IT unit 48 b.

On the basis of the results by the health care diagnostic models, themedical centre 48, in view of the diagnostic results of the on-boardhealth care centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies, co-ordinates thehealth care diagnostic work of the on-board health care centre 17 c andits expert subassemblies in the form of customised reports. Themodelling and generating of the parameter vector coordinating the workof diagnostic procedures operating in the system of the on-board healthcare centre 17 c and its expert subassemblies are carried out by thetask-specific procedure system working under the system programme of thecentral unit 48 a , in co-operation with the diagnostic system programmeof the related health care expert unit, followed by drawing up aninformative report for the physicians and technicians working at themedical lab 48 d. The posting of the IT tasks and reports related to theco-ordination is carried out by the central unit 48 a . The instructionsco-ordinating the work of the on-board health care centre 17 cand itsexpert subassemblies are supplied, by means of the identity codegenerator 48 e, with digital signature. Hence, the correctness ofinstruction reports received can be repeatedly ensured and controlled.

For those skilled in the art, it is obvious that the embodimentsdescribed above may only be considered as examples, and differentversions and changes can be designed within the range of protectionidentified by the claims of the invention Of course, the elements of thecontrol system according to the invention are not to be necessarilyimplemented as independent units and furthermore on a hardware basis,but their functions may also be performed by a software or by hardwaremodules implemented on an appropriate computer network. Thesatellite-based navigation data applied in the inventive control systemfor example may come from a GPS, GALILEO or GLONASS system. Furthermore,the communication applied in the system can be satellite-based as wellas GSM combined telephonic communication.

The control system according to the invention, provided that it is usedfor traffic control is suitable not only for organising the traffic ofaircraft or ships, but also that of trains or other vehicles.

Furthermore, the system and method according to the invention can notonly be applied to traffic control but also in all cases when objectsare to be controlled on a regional or central level. The objects mayinclude without being limited to, for example manufacturing units andproduction lines, business departments, (parts of) buildings, orpersons, when the plant units, business units, building complexes andgroups of persons, respectively, correspond to the regions or zones. Insuch cases the main control centres can supervise for example plant(s),business organisations, (parts of) settlements, and a larger group ofpersons, for example the workers of a plant In these cases, the objectplans can be, for example, manufacturing/production/process controlplans, building-operational plans, and human organisation/healthcare/lifestyle plans. The plans can be furthermore any plans related tothe given objects, for example development or lifecycle plans. Throughthe application of the system and method according to the invention, anappropriate control and communication suitable for all objects can beimplemented with the main control centre and the regional controlcentres, in view of all necessary circumstances.

In the listed generalities, the units making up the control andcommunication system and their tasks are logically identical with thosedetermined in the classic traffic control model. It is an importantcircumstance that the control and communication system handles thefollowing general objects and the associated task system as well as thealready discussed traffic control and monitoring task system of tasks,with a transparency among the task systems. Furthermore generalitiesused by way of example without aiming at being exhaustive shall bedescribed below.

The object centre 2 may carry out the monitoring test and control of theproduction and logistics processes of manufacturing units and productionlines, business departments and (parts of) buildings. In ageneralisation related to persons, the object centre 2 may carry out themonitoring investigation and control of the logistic processesassociated with the human resources requirement, health requirement andsocial-societal requirement of persons.

The processing unit 17 is still the central unit of the object centre 2in the discussed generalities. Its task is to organise the work and ITcommunication of the units under its supervision, compiling thedatabases of updating oriented loading operations corresponding to thegeneral versions discussed and the organisation of, as well as theco-ordination of loadings, the diagnostic test of the IT relationshipbetween the object centre 2 and the regional control unit 35, and theperforming of traffic situation monitoring tasks integrated into itstask system.

The task of the on-board diagnostic unit 17 a corresponds in the case ofall general objects to the adapted task system of the already discussedunit, i.e. to the technical diagnostic test of the object centre 2 andits subassemblies.

The task of the space-information unit 17 b is the space-informationmodelling of the status space associated with the given object, andfurthermore the modelling of the movement of the object in the statusspace, on the basis of the co-ordinate appearing in the status space,the speed co-ordinate appearing in the status space, as well as theco-ordinate and speed co-ordinate forecasts appearing in the statusspace. The given task system is implemented on the basis of the staticand dynamic route modelling in the status space as well as by relying onthe route modification protocol. A status space corresponding to theobject, for example in the case of the manufacturing units andproduction lines, may correspond to the process control status space ofproduction, in the case of business departments the status space of theeconomic environment of the object, in the case of (parts of) a buildingthe related logistics status space and/or the mechanical status space,and in the case of persons the social and philosophical status spacesurrounding the individual.

The task system of the on-board health care centre 17 c and its expertsubassemblies is identical in the discussed generalities with the tasksystems already described; this carries out the health care check-up ofpersons in the objects and its control

The task of the satellite-based navigation receiver 18 is to determinethe co-ordinate data of the object in the status space on the basis of ameasuring process carried out by itself, that is in accordance with aninternal measuring process.

The task of the satellite co-ordinate transmitter 20 b is to support theexternal side measurability of the object's status space co-ordinatedata, i.e. to support an external measuring process. An externalmeasuring process, according to the default, has a secondary priority,security enhancing role. However, it is important that the externalmeasuring processes can work more efficiently under certaincircumstances than the internal measuring processes, therefore they canhave a number one priority as well.

The task of the identity code generator 21 in the case of all objectscorresponds to the adapted tasks of the unit as discussed above. Theapplied encrypting algorithms and encrypting levels are adjusted to theobject and to the IT and confidentiality system of requirements of theassociated status space.

In the case of all objects, the task system of the diagnostic unit 22 acorresponds to the adapted task system of the already discussed unit,i.e. its task is to carry out technical/diagnostic tests correspondingto the given object In the case of the general cases listed, forexample, in the case of manufacturing units and production lines, thiscorresponds to a technical diagnostics and/or process controldiagnostics, in the case of business departments it corresponds to aneconomic IT diagnostics, in the case of (parts of) buildings itcorresponds to the technical diagnostics and/or logistic processdiagnostics and/or mechanical diagnostics and in the case of persons toa health care diagnostics and/psychiatric diagnostics.

The tasks of the autopilot coupling unit 22 b, the data acquisition unit22 c and the on-board operator unit 23 correspond in the case of allobjects to the adapted tasks of these units.

The autopilot serves for the automatic co-ordination of all objects inthe general sense when they move in the associated status spaces and forthe external control of it. It is an important circumstance that anobject can be associated with more status spaces, where the relatedprocess control and supervision tasks are performed in a simultaneousand integrated way by the control and communication system. In the caseof manufacturing units/production lines, the autopilot is a regulatorysystem that ensures external control side process control and/orautomated process control and/or logistics process control, in the caseof business departments the external control side regulation of thestatus space movement in the economic environment of the object and/orautomated process control and/or logistics process control, and in thecase of (parts of) buildings, this means an external control sideregulation and/or an automated mechanical process control and/or alogistical process regulation and in the case of persons a health careprocess regulation and/or psychiatric process regulation and/or atask-related logistics regulation involving the relevant person.

On the level of the IT network, the radio retransmitter unit 3, theretransmitter satellite 7 a, the stationary satellite-based transceiver8, the radio transceiver 19, the satellite radio transceiver 20 a andthe communication centre 45 provide for IT communication between theobject centres 2, the regional control centres 4, the visual processingcentres 5, the regional land traffic manager centre 46, the regionalinformation centre 47, the medical centre 48 and the main control centre12. The design and application of the units included in the IT networkare optional and adjusted to the given objects.

The visual processing centre 5 performs the monitoring testing andcontrol of the production and logistics processes of the manufacturingunits/production lines, business departments and (arts of) building in adirect way. In an abstraction associated with persons, it performsdirectly conducted monitoring tests and their control in relation to thetasks comprising the human resources requirement, health carerequirement and social-societal requirement of persons.

The visual detector and identifier unit 1 1 and the visual identifierunit I la perform the tracking of changes based on the external sidemeasuring process of the objects moving in the status space and theirlifecycle experienced there. Their design and the nature of theparameters sampled by them are adjusted to the nature of the relatedobject and status space.

Regarding the objects discussed, the task system of the visualprocessing unit 25 is logically identical with the task system discussedabove concerning the unit. This co-ordinates the work of subassembliessupervised by it, ensures IT communication between subassemblies,prepares and receives reports from the higher level units of the controland communication system, processes them and then forwards the posteddatabases and/or commands to the appropriate units.

For the discussed objects, the task system of the diagnostic unit 27 islogically identical with the adapted task system of the unit asdescribed above, i.e. it carries out the technical diagnostic testing ofthe subassemblies of the visual processing centre 5.

The IT centre 28, in the discussed objects also, carries out theorganising and/or optimising of the IT communication between thesubassemblies of the visual processing centre 5, and furthermore ensuresthat the visual processing centre 5 is connected in an IT sense to theIT system of the control and communication system.

The general task of the radar interface unit 29 is to connect themeasuring systems associated with the object and already installed or tobe fitted later in the control and communication system, said measuringsystems are able to do an external side scanning of the status spacesassociated with the object and also to determine the position of theobject within the status space.

The task of the visual tracking unit 30 in the case of the discussedobjects is logically identical with the adapted task system discussedabove in connection with the unit. This carries out the controlmodelling of the tracking of the objects in the status space and/or themodelling of the sampling measuring process relative to the status spaceobject and/or the modelling of the object detection process. In carryingout the relevant task, it can rely on the work of the regional controlcentre 4 and it can also carry out its function in an autonomous way. Inaddition, by means of the models handled by it and the regulationsignals generated by it, the unit controls tie sampling strategy of thevisual detector and identifier unit I 1 and the visual identifier unit11 a performing the sampling of the status space.

Based on the work of the IT connected and priority-wise subordinatedobject centres 2, the regional control centre 4 performs the monitoringtest and the control of the indirect production and logistics processesof the manufacturing units/production lines, business departments or(parts of) buildings. In an embodiment associated with persons, itsimilarly carries out the monitoring test and supervision of indirectlogistics processes associated with the human resources requirement,health care requirement and social-societal requirement tasks ofpersons.

The task of the regional control unit 35 is logically identical with theadapted task system discussed, i.e. to organise the work and ITcommunication of the units under its supervision and/or to compile thedatabases of the updating oriented loadings corresponding to thediscussed versions and to organise and co-ordinate the database loadingprocess of the units and objects under its supervision and/or to performthe diagnostic testing of the IT communication between itself and theobject centres 2 and/or the units attached to it on an IT basis and thedatabase handling information centres and/or to plan and supervise theregional optimal communication strategy and/or to keep contact with theexternal and connected IT networks and/or to prepare the visual trackingtask and to assign the object centres 2 waiting for visual trackingand/or to prepare and edit the reports, to provide for the IT servicingof the main control centre 12, to assist the proper systems diagnosed bythe regional diagnostic unit 35 a and to substitute them, to process theprimary database intermediated by the data acquisition unit 22 c of theobject centres 2 and to take over the task system of the faulty oroverloaded units of the regional control centres 4 making up the controland communication system on a regional level, where the co-ordination ofdistribution of the given task is performed by the main control centre12.

The task of the regional diagnostic unit 35 a in the case of all objectscorresponds to the adapted task system of the already discussed unit,i.e. on the one hand the technical diagnostic testing of the objectcentres 2 and its subassemblies integrated into the control andcommunication system and on the other the technical supervision anddiagnostic testing of its own units.

In the case of all objects, the regional database 35 b, the eventlogging unit 35 c, the regional identity code generator 35 d and thesystem of tasks of the IT unit 36 correspond to the adapted task systemof the units already discussed.

The task of the regional space-information unit 37 in the case of allobjects corresponds to the adapted system of tasks of the unit alreadydiscussed. The status space types of the objects regionally handled areidentical with the status spaces discussed in the generalising of thespace-information unit 17 b. Its task comprises the updating orientedloading of the space-information database of the regionalspace-information unit and its handling, the space-information modellingof the system of regional object plans as matched to the objects and/orthe dynamic route space-information modelling and planning of the systemof regional object plans, and/or editing a report for the updatingoriented loading of the space-information database of the object centres2 of the objects under supervision as matched to the status space of theobject and the performing the loadings on a customised basis and/oractually matched to the status space of arbitrary objects under controland communication supervision and/or the report-like posting of thetraffic situation of the envisaged object route on a customised basis tothe party which has requested the report and/or the regional levelmatching of the object plans of the objects under control.

On all object abstraction levels, the task of the regional trafficsituation monitoring unit 38 corresponds to the adapted system of tasksof the unit already discussed. In the given task system, the regionaltraffic situation monitoring unit 38 carries out a regional expansion.

The photogrammetric unit 39 can be applied primarily in traffic controland in monitoring tasks; it has a role in processing the visuallydetectable objects and the associated status spaces.

In addition, the external status monitoring unit 40, the 3D virtualstudio 42 a and the main control centre 12 and subassemblies can be usedappropriately in the case of the given objects.

1. A control and communication system comprising: an object centre assigned to an object, a control centre in communication contact with the object centre, means for implementing communication between the object centre and the control centre and means providing information for controlling the object to the object centre and/or to the control centre,; an object space-information database in the object centre, the database storing an object plan for the object, wherein the control of the object is adjusted to the object plan; a regional control centre assigned to a given zone, the regional control centre having a regional space-information databases storing a regional plan compiled on the basis of the object plans of the objects assigned to the regional control centre; a main control centre capable of co-ordinating the regional plans, the main control centre being in connection with, as well as organising, the operation of the regional control centres, wherein the main control centre has a central space-information database storing a central plan that covers the zones, and: means of co-ordinating the regional plans forwarded from the regional control centres to the main control centre, a central plan approved by the regional control centres is prepared by the main control centre, wherein regional plans not requiring central planning are returned by the main control centre to the regional control centres, and the regional plans are updated at the regional control centres on the basis of the returned plans and the central plan, and the object plans are updated at the object centres on the basis of the regional plans.
 2. The system according to claim 1, characterised wherein the object space-information database is updated when the object is assigned to the given regional control centre and furthermore regularly automatically on the basis of the regional space-information database.
 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the object centre comprises an operator unit suitable for manually retrieving the regional plans for the regional control centres, thereby updating the object space-information database.
 4. The system according to claim 2, comprising one or more radar units, a visual detector and identifier unit or a visual identifier unit suitable for detecting/identifying objects in the zone, which units are controlled on the basis of positioning signals sent by the objects through a visual processing centre.
 5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the visual processing centre comprises a visual tracking unit suitable for visual tracking of an appointed object.
 6. The system according to claim 2, wherein the means for implementing communication is a retransmitter satellite or a radio retransmitter unit connected to a stationary satellite transceiver.
 7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the object space-information database or the regional space-information database comprises information relating to conditions of control, said information being forwarded to the main control centre for co-ordinating the regional plans.
 8. The system according to claim 7, wherein the object is a vehicle, and the object plan is a traffic plan, to which the travelling of the vehicle is adjusted, and the means for providing information about the control conditions comprise a regional land traffic manager centre located in the regional control centre as well as a regional information centre collecting information related to traffic and meteorological conditions.
 9. The system according to claim 8, wherein the main control centre comprises a control device harmonising the operation of the regional control centres, a central identity code generator enabling the sending of encrypted reports, an IT centre enabling communication, a space-information unit suitable for drawing up the central plan, a traffic situation monitoring unit for observing the actual conditions of traffic and a central database storing technical data of the system.
 10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the regional control centre comprises a regional control unit performing regional communication organisation and information processing tasks, a regional database storing regional technical data, an event logging unit, a regional identity code generator enabling the sending of encrypted reports, a regional voice generator, an IT unit enabling communication, a regional space-information unit performing regional traffic control tasks, a regional traffic situation monitoring unit for co-ordinating regional traffic safety tasks, a photogrammetric unit for detecting vehicles not covered by the control of the system, an external status monitoring unit for scanning and identifying vehicles controlled by the system, a satellite-based satellite navigation compensator unit for compensating uncompensated co-ordinate data, an operator unit and a 3D virtual studio for the visual tracking of traffic processes, a regional signal improving unit forwarding signals of positioning satellites to the regional control centre, a regional land traffic manager centre providing information about land traffic conditions, a regional information centre supplying data from external IT networks, and a medical centre co-ordinating regional health care tasks.
 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the object centre is an on-board centre comprising a processing unit carrying out information flow management and co-ordination tasks, an on-board space-information unit performing on-board traffic control functions, an on-board health care centre, an on-board voice generator, a stewardess monitor, a satellite-based navigation receiver or satellite-based navigation antenna, a radio transceiver and a satellite radio transceiver for enabling communication, a satellite co-ordinate transmitter providing information about the actual position, an on-board identity code generator enabling the sending of encrypted reports, an on-board operator unit enabling handling, an on-board telephone exchange having a communication unit, the telephone exchange enabling the use of GSM devices being on-board, an autopilot coupling unit and an on-board data acquisition unit.
 12. The system according to claim 1, wherein the main control centre comprises a central diagnostic unit, the regional control centre comprises a regional diagnostic unit that regularly sends diagnostic reports to the central diagnostic unit, and the object centre comprises an object diagnostic unit that sends diagnostic reports on a regular basis to the regional diagnostic unit.
 13. The system according to claim 1, wherein the regional control centres are interconnected through a computer network, and at least one part of the main control centre is implemented as a software module accessible on the computer network.
 14. The system according to claim 1, wherein the object centres are interconnected through a computer network, and at least one part of the main control centre and the regional control centres is implemented as a software module accessible on the computer network.
 15. The system according to claim 11, wherein the object centre, the regional control centre and the main control centre have a time parameter made accurate and uniform by the satellite-based navigation receiver.
 16. A control and communication method for objects, wherein each object has an object centre comprising an object plan, and wherein the object plans are collected in a control centre and the control is carried out on the basis of a co-ordination of the plans via a communication contact between the objects and the control centre, the method comprising the steps of; compiling a regional plan in a regional control centre assigned to a given zone, on the basis of the object plans of the objects assigned to a regional control centre,; preparing a central plan covering the zones at a main control centre by coordinating the regional plans sent by the regional control centres to the main control centre, wherein the main control centre is capable of organising the operation of the regional control centres, said central plan is prepared on the basis of approvals of the regional control centres;; updating the regional plans on the basis of the central plan at the regional control centres, updating the object plans on the basis of the regional plans at the object centres and adjusting the control of the objects to the object plan, wherein the approval of the central plan for each zone is implemented in a way that a regional part of the central plan, which is not suitable for the regional control centre, is replanned at the regional control centre, and then the replanned regional plan is forwarded to the main control centre for co-ordination with the other regional plans.
 17. The method according to claim 16, wherein plans not requiring central planning are returned from the main control centre to the regional control centres and the regional plans are updated on the basis of the returned plans and the central plans.
 18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the object plan is updated when the object is assigned to the given regional control centre and subsequently on a regular basis automatically.
 19. The method according to claim 18, wherein by means of an operator unit of the object, the regional plan is retrieved from the regional control centre and thereby the object plan is updated.
 20. The method according to claim 16, wherein information relating to planning conditions is collected at the object centre, at the regional control centre or at the main control centre, which information is used in preparing the central plan.
 21. The method according to claim 16, wherein regular diagnostic reports are sent from the object centre to the regional control centre and from there regular diagnostic reports are sent to the main control centre and the control is carried out in view of the diagnostic reports.
 22. The method according to claim 16, wherein by means of one or more radar unit, visual detector and identifier unit or visual identifier unit capable to detecting/identifying the objects in the zone, the object is visually tracked and monitored, which units are controlled on the basis of positioning signals sent by the objects.
 23. The method according to claim 16, wherein the positions of objects are determined primarily by a positioning satellite and by satellite-based navigation receiver located at the object centre, and secondarily by a spotting satellite and by a satellite co-ordinate transmitter located at the object centre.
 24. The method according to claim 23, wherein the positions of objects are primarily determined by means of the spotting satellite and the satellite co-ordinate transmitter. 